Educators in Winterboro recognize the value in using a variety of motivations for students to stay in school and not drop out. They use any tool at their disposal.

And the “Choice Bus” that rolled onto campus this past week is simply the latest example.

Students from Winterboro and other county schools climbed aboard the customized bus and watched a powerful film of testimonials by inmates who chose the wrong path, one that leads away from education and into a life of crime and incarceration.

They heard the statistics and the correlation between dropping out and winding up behind bars. And they got an eye-opening glimpse into what their future could be like if they drop out. The rear of the bus has been turned into an actual jail cell, demonstrating to students the harsh reality of life in a jail or prison.

We commend Winterboro graduation coach Iris Jemison and Talladega County School System officials for their focus on reversing dropout trends. Turning lives around now gives these students a chance at a better future.