Young mother realigns priorities, works for diploma

Denise Hodges will graduate from the Jefferson City Academic Center this semester. The birth of her son, Drew, inspired her to make sure she got a diploma.
Denise Hodges will graduate from the Jefferson City Academic Center this semester. The birth of her son, Drew, inspired her to make sure she got a diploma.

Reading is a daily priority for Denise Hodges and her 15-month-old son, Drew.

Since August, Drew has listened to a lot of lessons about history and English, as his mom has studied for her high school diploma.

"My son turned my life around," Hodges said. "It was no longer about me. I had to ....

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