Samantha Sims, a senior at Washington High School in Massillon, Ohio, will graduate from high school this spring with the ability to find work in the adult world and the ability to pursue higher career goals in a university program thanks to DREAM. Samantha is one of thousands of Stark County students who are preparing for college through a program that also prepares them for the world of work.

After successfully completing her junior year at Perry, a tragedy occurred in the life of Dominque Gates. Her mother died in spring 2003. All she had after her mother’s passing was her sister, then age 24 with two children. “I could have easily drifted off the other way,” Dominque said. But a teacher stepped up to offer her comfort and guidance. The teacher was Jan Zak, one of the founders of the medical tech prep program at Perry. The teacher offered comfort to the student at her mother’s funeral, and that led to a deeper commitment by Mrs. Zak to Dominque’s success in college and life.