Young people in state prisons and other correctional programs, can "attend" an independent, accredited high school, thanks to the Vermont Retired Teachers Association. The Community High School, as it is known, serves 3,000 students in 17 sites, with 50 certified and paid teachers. It’s had an impressive record so far: 143 received high school diplomas, 107 received trade certificates, and 29 earned GEDs. About 20 percent of the students go on to higher education. The school’s founders, Blanche Kelley of Rutland and Dorothy Butturas of Essex Junction, received the national RTA’s Innovated Program Award, says The Burlington Free Press, for the establishment of the school. But, "most of all, they care about the students," said Bob Lucenti, of the state’s Department of Corrections. Other retired teachers volunteer in prisons teaching skills in crocheting, gardening and woodworking. " Once a teacher, always a teacher – and, that’s a good thing.