For some students, the path to an education is interrupted, but one lady in Metcalfe County has devoted her life to making sure adults earn their G.E.D.

For Paulette Burks, the mission is personal because she remembers her own father studying late at night to earn his G.E.D. so that he could keep his own job.

"I remember him sitting at the table with us when I was six years old getting his G.E.D. and I know what an opportunity it was for him," she recalls.

Now, as the Director of Adult Education in Metcalfe County, she encourages those like Charity Wright to finish their education.

Wright says of Burks, "she has always encouraged me to come back and has always made me feel welcome and wanted."

It is this encouragement that gives adult students the drive to return and finish what they have started.

Burks says, "I know it can make such a huge difference in people's lives."

Patricia Hurt, Superintendent of Metcalfe County Schools says Burks' "passion" is what makes the program so successful.

"Passionate... about her students, about her work, about her life. To me, passion personifies Mrs. Burks."

That passion is why Burks goes the extra mile, often providing gas and test money for students who find themselves down on their luck, because their education is the top priority of Mrs. Burks.

For her dedication to adult education in Metcalfe County, we honor Paulette Burks as a Hometown Hero.