By Staff
Jason Cannon, Franklin County Times
In the early 1980s, Scott King and Tina Jones were in the band at Phil Campbell High School, but they didn't get to graduate together.
Saturday, the now married couple finally got that chance.
Almost 25 years after high school Scott and Tina King left Northwest Shoals Community College with their college degrees.
"It's something I didn't accomplish when I was a kid," Scott said. "I wanted to better myself and prove to my kids that (getting an education) is a goal worth pursuing."
Tina said she needed a little more convincing before going back in the classroom.
"I didn't want to go back but (Scott) encouraged me to, but I'm glad that he did," Tina said.
Scott has been in law enforcement for nearly 25 years. The bulk of his career has been with the Montgomery Police Department.
He eventually returned to Franklin County where he caught back up with his former band mate in 2002.
The couple has been married now for four years.
Scott is currently employed with the Russellville Police Department and serves as the city's motorcycle patrolman.
He graduated Saturday with an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice.
Tina got her degree in Human Resources Management and both have already enrolled in Athens State, working their way toward bachelor's degrees.
After taking a 25 year break from school, both Scott and Tina said they could offer only one piece of advise for the seniors getting ready to graduate next week.
"Do it now," Tina said. "Don't wait. It's too hard to work full-time and go to school, be a good student and have a family. Don't wait until your grandkids are at your college graduation."
"Get a college education as soon as possible," Scott added. "It makes a difference in living in poverty and having a good lifestyle."
Scott is the son of Buddy and Barbara King of Hodges. Tina is the daughter of Jimmy and Gail Jones of Phil Campbell.
The couple has five children, Dustan (Bethany) 24, Chad (Kasey) 21, Shea, 19, Jared, 13 and Madison, 7.
They have three grandchildren, Tucker, 2, Grace, 18 months and Hannah, 2 months.