LEWISTON — Bryce Smith needed his high school credential in order to hold on to his job at the Auburn-Lewiston Airport. He did it in two months.

Smith plans to attend graduation for Lewiston Adult Education at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, in the Lewiston High School gym. He took the HiSET exam to receive his high school credential.

“I didn’t think I could, but I put my mind to it. Got it done somehow,” the 20-year-old said.

Airport Manager Richard Lanman praised Smith as a great addition to the workforce. The push to a high school credential came from Smith’s job description. It said that within six months, employees must have their high school diploma or high school credential.

“Very intelligent young man. He just needed a shove in the right direction,” Lanman said.

But Smith didn’t just do it for his job. He did it for his 11-month-old son Connor.

“I want him to be proud of me along with everybody else,” he said.

Smith credited his fiancee, Ashley Warren, with helping to quiz him in between work and watching their son. The faith people had in him helped, as well.

Laurie Champagne, coordinator of Lewiston’s Adult Learning Center, said she was impressed with how he handled his toughest challenge. Smith came in to work with her on Fridays, his day off.

“He was very motivated and also wanted to set a good example for his young son,” she said.

Next, Smith plans to get his Class B license so he could use a dump truck at his job.  

He has tips for people interested in going back to school to get their high school credential.

“You can do it. You have to have faith in yourself also. You can’t just have faith in someone else,” Smith said. 

Bryce Smith

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