A real-life success story of the new Graduation Access Program (GAP) at Greeneville High School was told Thursday evening to the Greeneville Board of Education.

Herminio Carreno Vega, an immigrant student at Greeneville High School, told the board how GAP has given him "a second chance at life."

Vega, who would not have graduated without assistance from GAP, said he thought about his future and his family when he decided to enroll in the program.

GAP, approved by the school board in December 2006, helps facilitate graduation for students who cannot meet the graduation requirements of the Greeneville City School System.

Through GAP, students are required to earn 20 credits to graduate, instead of the traditional 28 credits. Twenty credits is the minimum amount required by the state.

"I wanted to achieve something for my family -- something to be proud of," Vega said.

He added that he doesn't want to continue working as a bus boy and landscaper, but hopes to be an upper-level office worker who encourages other employees.

Another student, Justin McNutt, said he plans to go to Walters State Community College after completing the GAP program.

Both Vega and McNutt thanked teacher Patsy Harmon for creating and overseeing GAP.

"She was like a mother," Vega recalled.

Harmon, who received a standing ovation from the crowd, said students should not be considered "at risk." Instead, she said, they are "bundles of potential."

Harmon, who is retiring at the end of this year, said she hopes GAP continues, and its enrollment numbers increase.

In 2006-07, 10 students enrolled in GAP, and nine graduated, according to Principal Jerry Ayers.

This year, 14 students enrolled, and 13 will graduate, he added.

The information on GAP was part of the Greeneville High School report at the meeting.

Principal Ayers started the report with enrollment figures for the Credit Recovery program, which helps students who are behind recover credits toward graduation.

As of Thursday, 73 students had recovered a total of 55 credits, Ayers said.

In 2005-06, 50 students recovered 57.5 credits, he said.

In 2006-07, 66 students recovered 53.5 credits, he said.

Ayers also reported GHS's ACT scores.

He said in 2006-07, the average ACT score was 22.7, the second highest in the history of GHS.

The national average in 2006-07 was 20.1, and the state average was 21.2, he said.

Randy Richards, director of the Greeneville High School Success Academy (GHSA), or Freshman Academy, reported the new program's success.

GHSA is intended to ease students' transition from middle school to high school, by providing a separate learning environment and common planning time for participating teachers.

Richards reported a 50.3 percent decrease, from 320 to 161, in the number of disciplinary actions among students who advanced from freshmen to sophomores this year.

Richards commended the teachers for their work in the Freshman Academy.

Vivian Franklin, assistant principal for curriculum and instruction, reported enrollment figures for programs that allow GHS students to earn college credit.

She said 95 students are enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and 82 students are enrolled in dual-credit courses with Walters State Community College.

Franklin said 42.3 percent of eligible students are enrolled in AP and dual credit.

The goal, she said, is to have 50 percent enrolled by 2010.