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At just 17 years old, Hailey Forry is a shining example of Pahrump's Adult Education Fast Track program. As this year's valedictorian, she maintained a grade point average of 3.76.

However, even more impressive than her grades is her drive and the discipline she displayed to complete the program that allows students to take courses on their own timetable.

Hailey left traditional schooling behind because she wanted to graduate early. "I'm going to study structural engineering at the University of Arizona," she said. "I want to design buildings."

She credits math tutor Betty Groman for helping find her path. "She told me I had a talent for math. She's a very wonderful and innovative teacher," Hailey said. "People can know math, but few people can teach it like she can."

Adult education is open year-round for students 17 years of age and older. Hailey was in Pathways Innovative Education program until she was old enough to join the adult program.

There are many differences between traditional schooling and adult education that attracted her to the program.

"You can come into class at any time because there are no required hours. You can come in at 6 p.m. and stay until closing or you can go in early at 8 a.m. and then head off for a job after a couple of hours. It's perfect for people who have to work."

According to Hailey's mom, Sheri, "Hailey has never taken the traditional path in anything. Her dad and I could see this was a good program for her. In the past, adult education was for people who dropped out of school for various reasons, but that stereotype is no longer valid.

"The program presented Hailey with opportunities she wouldn't have gotten otherwise. She also does theater acting with the Shadow Mountain Community Players."

Hailey is also an athlete. She played golf on the Pahrump Valley High School team from her freshman through junior years. "The Lady Trojans won state all three years," she said.

The Forry family moved from Las Vegas to Pahrump about eight years ago because, according to Sheri, "Vegas turned into a crazy town, plus we wanted to live closer to the kids' grandparents."

Mark Forry, Hailey's father, owns Auto Body Connection, on Highway 160, between Calvada Boulevard and Homestead Road.

Hailey was home schooled throughout seventh and eighth grades, until Max Buffi, principal of Pathways, encouraged her to try his program. "Principal Buffi and Assistant Principal Susan Zink are wonderfully supportive," Hailey said. "That's nice to see when other places don't have time to waste on individual students.

"I've had some wonderful teachers throughout my life."