Persistence pays off.

Mary McCloud is living proof.

The 57-year-old Greenville native recently received her General Educational Development certificate, which is the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Earning the certificate didn’t come easy.

McCloud, who dropped out of school at a young age, started and quit the GED program twice before finally completing it in December.

Prior to taking the test she had decided pass or fail she was done.

“I prayed, ‘Lord, I am going to take this one more time. If I pass, thank you. If not, I’m done,’” she said.

Earlier this month, McCloud’s church Covenant Warriors Christian Center held a graduation ceremony for McCloud, complete with cap and gown and the turning of the tassel.

Pastor Lois Robinson said the church wanted to provide McCloud with the same experience any other high school graduate would have.

“It was a very touching moment,” she said. “Ms. McCloud has served as an encouragement for those who have given up on their dreams to continue on (pursuing those dreams.) Success is following your heart until your dream becomes a reality.”

McCloud, who worked toward her GED certificate for nearly a decade, stands as an example to her church and community as one who was willing to chase her dream.

“I advise anybody that if there is anything they want in life, press your way through (to achieve it),” McCloud said. “Trust God. Do your part, and you will receive it.”