TIFFIN, Ohio — For the last six weeks, Seneca County Jail inmate Zachery Foster has been buried in textbooks and homework.
But now, Foster has a GED diploma.
"I wouldn't really expect something like this to be offered in a jail, because jail, it's supposed to be reformative. I'm very appreciative of it," Foster said.
He received the diploma on May 27 after completing a program offered at the jail by Vanguard Sentinel Career and Technology Centers, a program that helps adult students advance their education.
The Seneca County Jail is also the only one in northwest Ohio that offers to have an employee proctor the GED test inside the jail.
"He was able to accomplish something major while also being in an environment where typically individuals are told 'you're gonna sit here and you're gonna like it,' essentially," said Grace Morehart, the GED proctor for Seneca County Jail.
Morehart and Vanguard-employed teacher Melissa Blair played a huge role in Foster's ability to become the first inmate to receive the honor.
"I just love the jail setting and the stories that these people have to tell," Morehart said. "Every single story is unique. They've all faced something and are now on their journey of trying to triumph over that."
Blair also says Foster's work ethic and getting to know him was what made his achievement so special.
"This job is important, and all my students are important," she said. "Everyone has their own story to tell, and I'm just so thankful that I got to be a part of Zach's story."
Foster is expected to not be alone for long. According to Blair, another inmate is close to earning a GED diploma, too.
Foster is set to be released on June 9 after serving an 80-day sentence for a probation violation and knows that he will be using his latest diploma for good use.
"I know I have to get a job right away because I need one," said Foster. "Get my life back together and possibly go to college soon."