>> NARRATOR: Tonight: part three of a Frontline special series.

For everyone who remembers what it was like to be young.

When the whole world seemed to stretch out in front of you, while you were stuck in your own backyard comes the final chapter in the story of two American boys growing up in a hard land.

(train horn blaring) As Chris and Cody enter their senior year, they must confront the end of childhood and what lies ahead.

>> All of a sudden I could possibly be on my way to college.

>> NARRATOR: This is a story about how they find their way.

♪ ♪ >> Cody kept saying, "I feel like a rock star," and all these little 14-year-old girls kept asking, "Can I touch your hair?"

>> NARRATOR: And about how they lose it.

>> Oh boy.

Everything was crashing before my eyes.

I wished I hadn't quit school.

I felt awful, like a friggin' failure.

>> NARRATOR: Through the good times and the bad, this is the story about the choices that must be made along the way.

>> I just want to do something for god in my lifetime.

I think it'd be cool to be a preacher.

>> Most people are so afraid to leave home.

Because they're like, "Oh, what's my mom going to do, "what's my dad going to do?

Are they going to miss me?"

I don't have that problem because I know they won't.

>> NARRATOR: Ultimately, this is the story of the American dream, seen through the eyes of two boys about to become men.

>> If I go back, I can go to college, and I can have a future.

>> NARRATOR: The story of their struggles and their triumphs.

>> This is one day that I wish my dad was here to see.

>> NARRATOR: And their determination to beat the odds.

>> To some people, this diploma is nothing more than a piece of fancy paper, but it means a lot more to me.

This diploma means that I have a future.

(cheers and applause) >> NARRATOR: And now, from David Sutherland, the final chapter of Country Boys.

(dogs barking) >> Cody?

Well, how does it feel now, since you're 18 years old?

>> I'm kind of glad.

Kind of nervous, too.

>> Well, yes.

>> Kind of scary getting closer and closer to being an adult.

>> It is, isn't it?

>> Yeah.

>> You learn a little more all the time about what it's all about.

>> I guess I'll get used to it after a while.

>> Well, I'm sure that you will.

>> Yeah.

>> I'm sure that you will, everybody does.

>> Yeah.

>> They don't always like it.

>> Uh-uh.

>> They say it's a lot more fun being a child than it is an adult.

>> Yeah.

>> Because you don't have all those worries.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Yeah.

>> I've got to go to school.

>> Okay, hon.

>> I'll see you later.

>> Okay, bye.

>> Bye.

(train whistle blows) (dialing phone) (phone rings) >> I don't know what I'm going to do.

>> Little Caesar's, can I help you?

>> Hi, this is Chris.

>> Hi.

>> Listen, I didn't have a way there.

>> Yeah.

>> My car is still broken down.

>> Okay, yeah.

>> Just tell her I can't make it, but if she wouldn't mind having my money ready tomorrow?

>> Okay, that's all right.

>> Tell her I'm sorry, I can't help it.

>> Okay, bye.

>> Bye.

God help me.

Everything was crashing before my eyes.

My car had completely broken down.

I couldn't get to work.

This should have been my senior year, but I dropped out of school to take this job.

Now I don't have a job.

Shoot.

And I'm not going to be able to finish school.

So I don't know what's going to happen.

Oh, God.

>> I'll see you later.

>> Okay, hon.

>> (humming) ♪ ♪ >> ♪I don't need a mansion ♪ ♪ don't want a limousine ♪ ♪ I don't need no diamonds ♪ ♪ or fancy golden rings ♪ ♪ I like livin' in the country ♪ ♪ sittin' on a back-porch swing ♪ ♪ Watching mama rock the baby ♪ ♪ listen to the robins sing ♪ ♪ I'm just a country boy ♪ ♪ that's how I was raised ♪ ♪ I'll stay a country boy ♪ ♪ till they put me in my grave ♪ >> Do me a favor, do you know my number up, Garrett?

358-0211?

No, I'm at a payphone right now.

Yeah.

Okay, partner.

All right, thanks.

>> ♪ Work was hard but we had a lot of fun... ♪ >> Oh, boy.

Trying to make it.

Trying to make it.

>> ♪ ...start in the morning work until dark ♪ ♪ puttin' up that hay ♪ ♪ I'm just a country boy ♪ ♪ that's how I was raised ♪ ♪ I'll stay a country boy ♪ ♪ till they put me in my grave ♪ ♪ ♪ >> I'll see you later, baby.

I love you.

>> Okay.

If it's a matter of incest-- now everybody knows what incest is, right?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> ...in the family.

And you're raped, say, by your father, and you're a woman, and you're going to have a baby, should you have the choice of whether or not to have an abortion?

If you feel you should, raise your hand.

If you should feel you should have the right to have an abortion.

One person.

So the rest of you think that you should have to have the baby by your father.

>> But there's a kid, I swear, went to our school, his father was his grandfather.

His hands and feet were turned backwards.

And I mean, God, think about how people treated him.

>> I know the child.

>> Yeah.

I mean, it's really true, I tell you, I swear.

his grand-- that guy went to jail, I'll tell you, and got killed in jail.

>> But it doesn't always happen like that, though, they aren't always deformed.

>> One thing I've got to say about this, though.

Anybody that doesn't believe it's right or does believe it's right, be sure whatever you believe it's because you have really sat down and thought about it, and not just 'cause that's how you were raised, 'cause if that's the only reason you believe it, then you don't really believe anything.

(bell rings) >> Okay, push your chairs in.

You may go, seniors.

See you tomorrow.

Boys, boys, push your chairs in.

Bye.

>> God bless.

>> God bless, Cody.

>> Hey, Randall.

Hey, Pop.

Hello?

Hey, Pop.

>> Huh?

>> I wanted to tell you that I'm here.

>> I know.

>> You doing okay?

>> God money, I'm burning up, Chris.

>> My father's drinking has gotten worse ever since my mother moved out.

>> Yeah, I know.

>> And now it's just me and him.

...come into work last night.

>> I don't know, Chris.

>> My mother used to be the most important person in my life.

>> Sheila wouldn't know.

>> But since she moved in with her new boyfriend, I hardly ever see her.

>> Chris, you think you'll stay home tonight?

>> Yeah, I'm going to stay home tonight.

But I have decided on one thing.

If I can swing it, I may try and have it arranged that I can go back to school.

Not sure yet, though.

>> Oh, shut my door, Chris.

>> Yeah.

You'll be all right, Pop.

>> Yeah, I don't know.

>> I wished I hadn't quit school.

I felt awful, like a friggin' failure.

>> Good afternoon, David School.

>> And it started eating at my conscience.

>> May I ask who's calling?

>> Chris.

>> Just a minute, hon.

>> I had promised Mitzi to finish school.

So I decided if I go back and at least get my GED, I can go to college and I can have a future.

>> Hey, Chris?

>> Hey.

>> Hey, it's Ann.

Betty's busy, in the middle of doing something.

>> Oh, okay.

>> When are you coming back here to take your test?

>> Well, I've actually...

I was wanting to talk to you guys about that.

>> Uh-huh.

>> I was wanting to see if I could arrange maybe some sort of meeting.

>> Okay.

>> Um... (clears throat) >> All's you need to do is take that that darn GED practice test and then we'll get you down.

I already scheduled you for a test because they were booking up and I was afraid that you'd miss the cutoff on it.

>> I see.

>> You know, so because everybody's taking the test because it changes like in January, and it gets harder.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> So I called the lady and I gave her your name and everything, and scheduled you.

So that way, you know, if we got you in and got you-- you know, just finished that little left that you haven't done on the test, and then I know you're going to pass it.

And then you're scheduled and you're set and you just go right on down and take the GED on the date that it's scheduled for.

>> Oh, okay.

Well, you see, that's going to run a bit of a problem.

I have no transportation.

My car broke down.

I can't even get to the bus.

>> We just need to have you take that practice test, because that's the rule.

>> Okay.

>> All right, bye.

>> Bye.

♪ ♪ >> Hey, Dad.

>> Huh?

>> We'll see you tonight.

>> Yeah.

>> Tom?

>> Chris, what's happening?

>> Well, my car broke down and I lost my transportation here.

>> So what are you going to do with yourself now?

>> I'm not sure.

(laughs) But I am going to see about finishing up my GED.

>> Well, I think that that is a very good choice.

>> I know what you're going to say, I ought to come back to school.

>> Yeah.

>> It's too-- it's too long into the year, I'd never graduate.

>> Well, Chris, your GED is your second option, and that's the best way to go.

>> Well, that's what I've got figured.

>> And, you know, a lot of people have thought that you was nothing but a failure.

But that's not true, Chris.

>> You get to believing it.

>> Yup.

Oh, yeah.

So, but you're not.

>> No, not yet.

>> And the thing of it is, Chris, you've got a brilliant mind.

And it's not that you can't, the only thing that you're lacking in is the "want to."

>> True.

You got me there.

But you have a good evening.

>> You, too, Chris.

Good to see you, and get on with your life.

>> I'll give it a shot.

>> Okay.

>> Hey, Chris.

>> Hey.

>> You sort of like dropped off the face of the earth.

>> Blame that on my vehicle.

>> You know what?

You are not going to say no.

Do you want to get the GED?

>> Yes.

>> How important is it?

>> More than life, if you must know.

>> Can we do it?

>> Yes.

>> Can we can we set out a plan and stick to it?

>> And you said it yourself, and honest, there is barriers.

>> I'm trying to eliminate some of the barriers here.

>> But the problem is, I didn't set those barriers.

They sort of-- they just sort of fell into place.

>> All right.

But you've got an opportunity here.

>> I know.

>> What are you going to do?

>> Me, myself?

Right now I wish to finish school and maybe seek a higher educational opportunity.

>> But I think if for the next five weeks if we start putting together a post-secondary plan, coupled with the GED.

And I'll throw in something else.

If we can get you maybe a small apartment where you would have access to at least get you here to school, would you be open to having a place of your own?

>> That's something I've wanted to do.

>> And you can handle it.

You know why, Chris?

Because you're going to have a lot of people, a lot of people cheering for Chris saying, "All right, let's go!"

>> What can I say?

>> Well, great.

Let's shake on this here.

>> I forgot... >> Come on, come on.

♪ ♪ >> Hey, Cody.

You ready to do this?

>> Yeah.

I want to do something on God's love and how it replaces things in your life.

>> Okay.

>> Like, I lost my mom and dad, you know, both.

And for a long time I felt really empty.

Because, you know, when you don't have parents, there's something-- that's a big thing in your life as a kid, and after you're a kid.

But I don't feel that emptiness anymore, and I'm not saying it happened as soon as I got saved, but over time God did replace that for me.

I think it would be cool to be a preacher.

There's just something about speaking to people about your beliefs that fascinates me.

And it would be a good service for God.

>> You know, you need to-- you need to always be remembering, you know, that that God is the focus here.

You always want to bring it back to him.

>> Plus, it makes it sound a lot more believable to people whenever you give them scripture and just instead of just saying, "Well, God saved me."

>> Yeah.

>> I like working with Bill because he's a good preacher and he's honest and up front, and he believes totally in what he's doing.

>> The greatest help in something like that is just kind of having a knowledge of the bible, because then you don't have to go through all this, but anyways... >> I don't know how to plan a sermon, and Bill's going to show me how you go about it.

>> But anyway, though, so that's what we'll do this week, okay?

>> All right, man.

>> I'll see you later, Cody.

>> All right, Bill.

>> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

>> Out of the frying pan and into the fire.

>> This practice test is half as long as the actual GED test, but the difficulty level is the same.

>> I see.

>> So, are you nervous about finishing this?

>> Just the math part.

>> Okay, I think you finished the writing, you finished the social studies.

>> Uh-huh.

>> Science is 47 minutes, and Math, 45 minutes.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> If you pass this pre-test, then we send you on to get your actual GED test.

>> I need to get this done.

I need to do this.

It's my future, life and death.

I need to do this.

I know I can do this.

I know I can do this.

>> Hmm.

(guitar scales playing) >> You ever taught before?

>> Hey, I'm not a normal teacher.

They didn't pay me.

>> I thought you taught this class before.

>> Yeah, but Augie was here.

All right, guitar is actually very simple.

It's all patterns.

(guitar scales playing) It's a pattern.

You can play that anywhere.

That's E-minor.

You can play that up here.

It don't matter.

Play it right there.

It's all patterns to remember in your head, and all you got to do is just remember what key you're in.

>> God.

>> Man, this is hard.

>> God, man, I don't want to be a teacher for a living, that's for sure.

It's just hard to fill up that whole time.

All right.

I think we need a ten-minute discussion time where we just talk.

>> Yeah.

>> What do you think?

>> Oh, hey, Chris.

I went over your scores, checked them, and you passed.

>> Oh, thank God.

>> You've passed everything.

You got a 43 in the Math, which I'd like that a little bit higher, but that is passing.

But if this would have been the real GED test, you would have passed it, you would have gotten your GED diploma.

So you should feel pretty good about yourself.

>> Thank you.

>> Congratulations.

>> Whew!

I could bench press a Buick right now.

Passed the pre-test.

>> Neat.

>> Sit down, I was wanting to talk to you about something.

>> Uh-oh.

>> You're in trouble already.

>> Whatever it is, I didn't do it.

>> I'm glad you're back.

I understand there might be some problems about living situations right now.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> We have an apartment in town.

It's available.

You would be able to walk to the bus stop, or you could ride to school with me, and then you would be able to ride home with me or ride back.

And you'd have your own key.

This would be a short-term thing, okay?

Of course, there'd be conditions.

No overnight guests.

>> No problem.

Because honestly this'll be for peace of mind for me, too.

>> And I hope it will be.

I would not feel comfortable with your parents coming around.

As I look at you, you're a grown man.

You're 18 years old.

You can be on your own without anyone helping you do anything.

And I know this probably sounds bad, but I'd really rather your parents didn't know where it was.

>> Don't worry about that.

>> The apartment.

>> I'll just say, "I'm getting an apartment, sue me."

(laughs) And it works.

And besides, she doesn't have much of a say in it anyway.

I'm an adult.

>> You are an adult.

>> A young adult, but still, nonetheless.

>> Okay, that's what I needed to talk to you about.

>> All right.

Well, I thank you.

>> I'll let you know something first thing Monday morning.

>> All right.

>> And, you know, as far as that goes, you can come in and bring your clothes with you?

>> I'll get here.

I don't care if I have to walk, I'll get here.

>> See you, Chris.

>> See ya.

>> ♪ My name is sexy mama I'm a sexy mama ♪ Yes.

Cody and I have been together two years now.

I love him a lot, and we get closer and closer.

Whenever I go to one of Cody's concerts I always try to look nice.

I try to be really supportive and show Cody's band that I'm getting into the music so that they can feel that at least someone is, if no one else is.

But usually they have a pretty good amount of people, you know, grooving to their music and getting into it.

(kids howling) (laughter) >> Jessica.

Hey, Jessica, you want to help?

>> Okay.

Hold on.

Cody.

>> Today we're going up to Logan, West Virginia, to play a show at a little Christian club called The Rock.

This is our band's first time playing outside of Kentucky.

We don't pay attention to what all we need, we just take whatever's in there.

>> Come on let's go!

>> Can you print out directions?

>> You go to Williamson, you stay on 119, you get off at Chapmanville exit, and you keep going left until you come to Rite Aid.

I need to get a map.

>> So you can find your way, 'cause we're trying to find our way.

>> ♪ Find your way hey, hey, hey ♪ >> If I could have a state name, it would be Delaware.

>> Yeah.

>> Hey, is this illegal?

>> Probably.

>> Get up here, Cody!

>> Oh, God, Cody.

>> What?

♪ ♪ >> Hey, Jason.

>> Hey, Cody, over here.

>> All right.

>> You guys ready?

>> Lord Father, we come to you today, Lord, that--- I suppose there's a lot of Christian acts here tonight, so we'll pray that everything goes smooth, I pray that we show light to you, Lord, I pray that we play a show in your name, I pray that it's a good show.

>> Thank you, Lord, for this band.

You know my situation, I just-- I still have faith in you, Lord.

In Jesus' name.

>> Lord, I want to thank you for everything you have done in my life.

You have blessed me through so much, you have blessed my relationship with Jan, Lord, and I thank you every day for that.

And let us play to the best of our abilities.

>> Amen.

I feel better now.

I'm not as stressed.

>> That makes us pumped up.

>> Yeah.

>> Let's go, guys.

>> let's kick it.

(cheers and applause) >> All right, well, it's good to see everybody out here.

This song is about a personal experience of mine.

When I was 12 years old, my dad, he went inside of a strip bar where my stepmother worked at, and he shot her and then he shot himself.

And that, you know, it kind of depressed me, put me into drugs, and kind of dabbled with a few different things-- Satanism and witchcraft and all that-- and that's when I realized nothing really worked for me except for God.

And this song is about that experience.

And the last line is: "otherwise I'd put a bullet in my brain."

I tried to overdose on pills.

I usually don't tell this part of the story, but I tried to overdose on pills when I was 14-- 13, 13.

Nothing happened.

The psychiatrist said if I didn't die I was lucky I didn't come out crippled.

I only think the band knows this part of the story, but glory be to God.

(cheers and applause) This song's called "Death."

♪ ♪ (cheers and applause) >> ♪ Where you went ♪ eternal fire ♪ ♪ looking for her ♪ ♪ Well, your sights were set ♪ ♪ on her ♪ ♪ Put her to the grave ♪ (unintelligible lyrics) ♪ Put the gun to your chest, blow yourself away ♪ (guitar solo) (cheers and applause) >> Cody was very excited about it.

He kept saying, "I feel like a rock star."

And all these little 14-year-old girls kept coming over and asking, "Can I touch your hair, "can I see your fingernails?

Will you sign this?"

>> Cool.

>> And he was like, "Oh, okay."

He was real excited about it.

>> We all got real hair >> Let me feel your hair!

>> See?

>> I don't really feel a threat about it.

>> These girls are crazy, they keep on feeling my hair.

>> Because I know he wouldn't do that to me.

It makes me happy, actually, that people think he's so great that they would want to come up and flirt with him.

>> Can I see your nails?

>> Yeah.

>> It makes me happy that they can't have him.

So proud.

I am so proud.

>> Give it up for seven rise up, guys, come on.

>> Oh, okay, thank you.

(cheers and applause) (dogs barking) ♪ ♪ >> Hey, Chris, you going to be back in time for Nicky's party?

>> I'm going to be honest with you, Amy, it may be a while before I'm back, period.

>> When you leaving?

>> Probably today.

>> No.

>> There's something I got to do.

>> What?

>> Well, if I go back to school at least get my GED... >> Yeah.

>> ...I can have a future.

>> Can I help?

>> You can try.

>> How am I supposed to fold this?

>> Watch what I do.

See, I'm holding this?

>> All right.

>> Pull together.

Well, that's cool.

That works with me.

>> Anymore stuff?

>> No, I don't think so.

>> Chris?

>> Huh?

>> I do mine different.

How that?

>> It's all right.

Well, if it works.

>> Chris?

>> Yeah.

>> You better make sure you got for two weeks, you better make sure you got what you've got to have, what you need.

>> Well, when I go down there I'm going to make a list?

See what everything I need and don't need.

>> Okay.

Well, I'll put the rest of it away.

>> Okay.

>> I'll see you later, all right?

>> All right.

>> My grandmother's not very happy with me leaving.

She feels that somebody needs to be there to take care of me.

But I can do that myself.

>> Well, now, be good.

>> We'll see you later.

(panting) >> Chris!

Chris, Chris!

When am I supposed to see you?

>> In a little while, Amy.

>> What?

>> I'm not too sure yet.

I'll see you later, okay?

>> All right.

Bye.

>> ♪ Well, I've crossed many mountains ♪ ♪ with new valleys so low ♪ (train whistle blows) ♪ And I've crossed many rivers where the waters always flow ♪ ♪ There's times in my life yeah, I really didn't know ♪ ♪ where I would end up on this lonely road ♪ >> Well, what do you think so far?

>> Well, what I like is that everything's so accessible.

>> It's not a big space, but big enough.

>> Yeah, the kitchen is pretty small.

>> Now, you smoke, right?

>> Yes.

>> We've never had anybody here that smokes, so we don't really have any kind of smoking policy.

>> Yes.

>> We'd just ask you to be very, very careful.

>> Oh, that.

>> Can you do that?

>> One thing I will do.

>> And we do plan on getting a... >> Lease.

>> ...lease made up this week.

>> Hm-mmm.

>> And it'll be especially for you, since you're 18 and, as far as I know, this is still going to be a temporary basis, right?

>> Yes.

>> But, you know, I know that you told me the other day you're neat when it comes to cleaning house.

>> Very.

>> You know, we want you to feel at home, and whatever you need.

>> And it'd be your space, I mean... >> Yeah, we won't... >> The last person that lived here, we were never up here.

>> I'll let you go ahead and have the key since we'll officially say you're renting the apartment.

>> I thank you very much.

>> You're welcome.

>> You're welcome.

>> Hey, what do you know?

I've been looking for that.

Most people are so afraid to leave home.

Because they're like, "Oh, what's my mom going to do?

"What's my dad going to do?

Are they going to miss me?"

I don't have that problem, because I know they won't.

I mean, look, I'm in an apartment.

I didn't ask nobody's permission to be here.

Do you think anybody missed me?

Hmm.

Oh, boy.

Let me see.

I can stay in this apartment until Christmas break is over.

Then after that, I'm on my own.

But right now, I need to keep focus on that one thing: my future.

Hmm, well, I'll be.

"The young warrior stood with his sword ready to attack.

"Yet Xavier had no idea where he was.

"He had been alone all his life, yet all he wanted to do "was leave that land of bloodshed and return home.

"The whole scenario takes place in the present time, "in a small town.

"Actually, the town I am speaking "is a town in which I knew well, "due to the fact I have lived in that area most of my life.

The town is called Garrett."

We'll, I'll be.

I need to continue that.

>> Cody, I wonder how daddy's doing today.

>> I don't know.

>> What if we get home and he's like all strung out and... >> (yawning): I'm tired today.

(snoring) >> Daddy?

>> Yeah.

>> Cody's sleeping.

>> Huh?

>> He's sleepy.

>> In our house?

>> In our house.

>> Whose bed?

>> My bed.

Are you okay?

>> I feel like a chicken that tried to cross the road and didn't make it.

>> Oh.

Well, you look kind of like the chicken.

(laughs) When are you going to go see the doctor again?

Is it today, tomorrow?

>> Do I seem like I'm sweating or anything?

>> Definitely.

>> Because I got a lot of pain in my neck or anything like that.

>> Well, don't be having seizures.

>> Yeah.

>> Sheesh.

>> I heard that.

>> What was the last thing you remember, the emergency?

>> Yeah.

Yeah, it was the emergency squad.

And that paramedic said-- and he checked my sugar and everything, and he thought I was dehydrated real bad, and evidently I was.

>> What did you feel like when you woke up?

Like... >> I felt like I had been run over by a Mack truck.

>> So you just lay there like... >> I wasn't drowsy or anything like that.

I was just real weak.

But not drowsy.

I seemed like I had my own right mind.

And they said I talked very good to them all the time I was there.

But I don't even remember saying half the stuff they said I said.

Let's get back to Cody.

Is Cody real tired, or what?

>> I think he may have stayed up late.

I don't know.

>> Would there be any reason why?

>> Why... >> Cody stayed up late?

>> He was watching TV.

He was watching VH-1.

>> He wasn't talking to you or nothing like that?

>> No, seriously, he was watching VH-1.

(laughs) >> When are you going to wake Cody up?

>> He's cranky when he's sleepy.

>> How do you know that?

>> Because I know.

>> Yeah, how do you know?

>> He's always sleepy.

He never gets sleep.

>> How come?

>> He's always staying up watching TV.

>> Don't he sleep at home?

>> He watches TV constantly.

>> Or is he talking to you all night long on the telephone?

>> No, he doesn't talk to me all night.

We barely talk.

(laughs) I don't like him.

>> I know you talk all night long.

>> We don't talk all night long.

>> Yes, you do.

>> My dad really likes Cody, but he still tries to be this good, you know, "You can't touch my daughter" thing.

But he really, really, really likes Cody.

It's my secret lover, Fernando.

Dad likes Cody because he sees Cody really makes me happy.

And Cody makes him laugh and Cody likes music, which my dad loves music.

It's just basically future father-in-law, son-in-law kind of thing.

>> Because you don't need any more money this week.

>> Where did you steal it at?

Anywhere?

>> BP.

>> We had to rob a few stores, you know?

>> We just put it in there and took off.

>> Do you know Cody was sleeping in her bed?

>> No, but Jessica was down here with you.

>> But I didn't know Cody was in the bed.

>> So?

>> So you think he should have slept on the floor.

>> Do you think that's normal, Cody?

>> Do you want me to go sleep in your bed next time?

>> Uh-huh.

>> Yes, please do.

>> No, I don't want you to sleep in my bed.

(laughter) >> The small founder shack was the building that Alice Lloyd lived in founding Alice Lloyd college.

And the building directly behind it is the student center.

So if anybody has a particular interest, all right?

We can stop in for a moment.

Okay, this is the Campbell Arts Center.

Everyone calls it CAC.

In it you will find... >> Alice Lloyd college started for students from our Appalachia area.

Basically, if you come to Alice Lloyd college-- and this is a scholarship that we're offering any of you guys that are admissible to our school-- then we would guarantee that your tuition, which is a tuition for a private-school education.

And right now it's $3,180 a semester, but very, very few students at this campus ever pay that tuition cost because they meet the criteria of coming in from our Appalachian area.

>> Well, the meals were good.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> What do you think?

>> It's very nice here.

You see, I just wanted to...

I wanted to check out one more option, Berea.

>> Berea does cost more money.

Here at Alice Lloyd they do commit.

Like in your case, you could probably walk out of there in four years and not owe a dime.

>> Mm-hmm.

I never thought I'd actually be going to college.

I always talked about it, like "Yeah, I'm going to go to college."

I just never saw myself there.

All of a sudden, I could possibly be on my way to college.

Big jump, if you ask me.

Freaked the hell out of me.

>> How do you like Alice Lloyd?

>> Yeah, it was all right.

>> The dorm?

>> Mm, little tight.

I've lived in worse.

I don't really have any complaints, except for the fact of the bathrooms.

>> (laughing): What's wrong with the bathrooms?

>> I think there's like one to a dorm.

>> Oh, really.

I didn't know.

I didn't ask the question.

>> Or one to a floor.

>> Oh, really?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Huh.

>> So.

>> I didn't even notice.

Well, why don't you ask Josh when he comes out?

>> Well... >> I would suspect that they would have at least several, though.

Because you got showers... >> Showers are-- he said something about the showers.

He said that they were like stalls, in a way.

So there is some sort of privacy, but still.

>> Oh, I can just see you guys.

>> Auditors?

>> This is our future here.

>> So sleep with one eye open.

>> Did you guys have a good afternoon here?

>> Yeah.

>> Good.

♪ ♪ >> Hey, Cody.

Let me ask you a question.

What does Jessica think about being a pastor's wife?

>> She likes the idea.

>> Does she?

>> Yeah.

>> Not bothered by it?

>> Mm-mm.

She encourages me to do it.

>> Does she?

>> Yeah.

>> Because that's something that is really crucial.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> You know, Sue has been there along.

There's times when I get discouraged and I'm ready to pack up and go home, and Sue is, "No, no, no, we got to stay here."

So, don't even entertain the idea if your wife is not supportive in it.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And I got really thinking about it, and why do you want to be a pastor?

What in the world would you... (laughs) Seriously.

>> I just want to do something for God in my lifetime that's more than just being a good Christian.

I mean, you know, not that there's anything wrong with just that, but I want to do something a little further.

>> Do you remember the time I had asked you to give your testimony?

>> Mm-hmm.

>> There was a lady here, and your testimony had brought her to tears.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Because it was kind of real close to hers.

I mean, she hadn't gone through the tragedies that you had, and yet her life had been a tragedy.

You know, and I remember kind of hearing about that young guy, his testimony.

It wasn't presented like a professional speaker, yet it touched that young lady in a way that mine never could.

But they look at you, somebody who-- and even your looking down was good.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Even the fact that you weren't able to make eye contact.

It's like, "What I'm sharing with you is too deep, I don't want to look at you," it touched her.

>> Did you have problems with eye contact with people?

>> Yeah.

You just get up in front of people a lot.

They'll teach you tricks.

People will tell you to take a spot right over the-- right over the heads of the last row where you're not actually looking at a person.

>> Oh, and you're just looking... >> So, like, if you were looking into this church you would look like right at those pictures in the back, right over the tops of the heads in the last row.

That way you're not making eye contact, but everybody thinks that you are.

(laughs) Because your eyes--- your eyes are glaring over... >> 'Cause, I don't know, if I was watching a preacher that just looked down all the time, I'd just get bored to death.

>> Eventually, what'll happen is you lose the fear.

But you don't have a problem being up front, do you?

>> No.

>> I mean, I've never seen it.

It seems like every time we've gone to... >> I love being up front.

>> Yeah.

Don't become a pastor because you like being up front.

(laughs) Not a good reason to do it.

Most-- I wouldn't say most, most really... >> Actually, that's probably one of the worst things-- that's probably one of the worst reasons to become one.

>> Yeah.

>> If you think about it.

'Cause then it ends up being more like your show.

>> Yeah, I've said this a lot of times, but the same thing that puts you in the ministry is the thing that can put you out of it.

If you're going to stand in front of a group of people, you have to believe that you know something they don't know.

And yet, if you start thinking you know too much, it'll destroy you.

>> Chris.

>> You wanted to see me?

>> Yeah.

Let's talk about the GED.

>> You didn't get my scores, did you?

>> What I'm going to try to do is call Frankfort.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Rarely that they don't give you a heads-up, but in this case they might, since you're right down to the wire with graduation and going to college.

So let's talk about graduation.

It's the 18th.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Did you get your invitations to send out?

>> Um, there's no need.

>> Why?

>> No one will be coming from my family.

>> Why not?

>> They don't care.

>> Yes, they do.

>> No, they don't.

>> Well, I think your grandmother would like to see you get on with your life.

>> I wish that was true, but... >> And maybe as a part of that it would be neat if she could come for graduation.

>> Well, if she'd show up that-- that'd be great.

At least, I-- I wouldn't be alone for graduation, but she ain't got no way here.

>> Well, that's something maybe we can work on.

>> I know my brother would like to be here, but... >> Okay, that's your brother.

Your sister?

(sighs) Your mom?

>> No.

I-- I gave up on my mom.

She's too wrapped up in her own life to worry about mine.

>> It would seem like you and your mom need to have-- to sit down and have a... >> I can't talk to her.

My mother's boyfriend, he makes sure I can't talk to her.

He gets mad if I look at her.

>> Okay.

Your mom may be leaving for Louisiana or Florida.

It's Florida?

>> Well, that's what I've been told.

>> What about your father?

When did you see him last?

>> I don't know.

I can't remember, it's been so long.

Maybe a month, two months, not sure.

>> Did you see him around Thanksgiving?

>> No.

No, I didn't.

>> I know it's tough, Chris.

>> I'll get used to it after awhile.

You put up with it so long, you get used to it.

I mean, why not.

After a time, you quit caring.

>> You got so much going for you, Chris.

>> Yeah, I've got a lot going for me, but I've got one little problem behind it.

I have no family to support me.

I mean, not even emotionally.

And it's kind of rough, you know.

>> Well... >> I mean... >> But this is an opportunity here.

>> That had been my dream, to go to college.

That's been my dream.

>> Then we got to focus.

>> Yeah.

>> We need to get graduation cards.

>> How many do I need?

>> Well, get a half a dozen.

>> I ain't got that many.

>> Well, you got your father's address.

You-- you want to mail it?

>> No use.

>> At least mail it to him, okay?

>> You-- you want a drunk man sitting here at graduation, staggering all over the place, wind up puking right in the middle of the foyer?

>> Well... >> Think about it.

>> Come on.

(laughs) We got a good focus.

Good luck with everything.

>> Well, I'm going to try.

>> Get ready, get psyched.

You're going to do it.

>> Get psyched.

>> All right.

>> Murdered.

>> Catch you later, Chris.

>> Catch you later.

(train whistle blowing) >> Oh, boy.

Oh, this is fun.

♪ Sometimes, when I'm feelin' lonesome ♪ ♪ And no one on Earth seems to care ♪ ♪ I'm all by myself in the darkness ♪ ♪ With no one and nothing to share ♪ ♪ And just when it feels like it's over ♪ ♪ And I'll never make it alone ♪ ♪ I hear the voices of angels ♪ ♪ Tenderly calling me home ♪ >> Hello, hello.

>> I see you finally made it back.

>> Ah, it was a heck of a trip.

Boy, are my feet tired.

Brought some vittles.

>> You graduate next week?

>> Supposedly.

I was wondering if you'd like to come?

>> Yeah, I'll try to go.

>> I should be able to find you a ride.

See, what have we got here?

>> When are you going to move from down there?

>> The gravy.

Possibly, another week or so.

>> I-- don't set no plate for me, I don't want anything.

>> Yeah, yeah, yeah.

>> No, nothing.

>> No, no, no.

I won't eat unless you do.

>> Well, I don't want... >> That's what it's here for.

That's what it's here for.

It's supposed to be edible.

That's what it's for.

You going to eat right along with me.

We got legs... >> Well, are you still planning on going off to college?

>> Yeah, if I can swing it.

I look at it this way.

I'd say, I should be able to, once graduation's taken care of and everything.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I know I haven't dropped by in awhile.

With the graduation going on and everything, I just haven't had the time.

>> Hey, when you don't have time, you don't.

>> I came up here to ask you and Daniel to come to my graduation.

>> I'll go, but I don't know about Daniel.

That's next Tuesday?

>> Yeah.

I haven't been able to talk to Mom or Amy.

>> Well, she works-- works down at McDonald's >> Yeah, I know.

>> And Amy's been sick, got a bad cold.

And she does that every year, catching the bus.

>> I was thinking about inviting Mom, but I don't know.

I mean, honestly, I don't know.

>> Chris, better just let it go.

I've come to the conclusion that you need to try to live your own life, the same as me.

>> I'm sorry, but you know how I am.

>> I know, but everything changes.

You got to go on with your life, just like she has to go on with hers.

I wouldn't worry about it.

>> I finally succeed, and the very one I wanted to share it with won't be there.

>> I'll talk to her.

Call her and talk to her.

>> No use.

I tried calling them today.

All I got was ringing.

>> See, she doesn't work all day.

>> I know.

>> I'll see if I can get ahold of her tomorrow.

>> Try to.

I'm going to send-- I'm going to bring you and Daniel an invitation the day of the graduation, so they'll let you in.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And I've got to send out one more to a former teacher.

Then after that, maybe...

I may think about sending one to Mom.

>> Well... >> Just depends, though.

(coughs) >> I'll call her tomorrow.

Give her time to get in.

>> It's just, the only thing is, I just want her and Amy there.

Just her and Amy.

He can't come.

>> Well, that's-- better just let it go, I'm telling you.

It just ain't worth it.

>> I'll try.

My mother's boyfriend-- he is not family.

My father's not even family.

>> Chris, just drop it, let it go.

Your dad's down there and he's doing what he wants to do.

>> I ain't worried about him.

He wouldn't come if he tried, and I wouldn't have him.

>> No.

He's just doing what he wants to do, that's what he wanted.

>> But he said we can all go to hell, for all he cares.

>> I know what you're talking about.

>> I want you there, I want my brother, my mother and my sister.

My father was never a part of it, never will be.

>> Mm-hmm, yeah, I know, Chris.

>> Yeah, well...

I want you to eat tonight, okay?

>> But I'll tell Daniel that you come up, that you was here.

>> All right.

Tell him there's a pack of cigarettes on the TV for him.

And tell him there's food here.

You eat that.

I won't I won't feel right unless you do.

>> Oh, hush.

>> No, I'm serious.

I won't feel right unless you do.

Now listen, I got to go.

I've-- I've got a big graduation speech due tomorrow.

>> Chris, I'm proud of you.

>> Thanks.

So I'll see you the day of the graduation.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Now, I'm not going to be giving a big introduction to each of you when you come up to speak, because we are going to save that for when you get your diplomas, okay?

So we'll start with the eighth grade, then we'll be introducing the seniors.

And then our adult education students will be getting their recognition and, Linda Bailey will be speaking.

>> Hmm, will I be introduced with the David students or with the GED?

>> David students.

>> Okay, phew.

>> Chris, you're getting a diploma.

>> Well, I'm just checking!

>> Okay, all right?

And then the faculty will be all coming up here and lining up.

As I see right now, we're going to have to move this table over, and that's going to have to come down.

Going to have to do that, Chris.

>> Mom?

>> Christopher.

>> Mom, where's Daniel?

>> Coming with Tammy.

>> Where's Amy?

>> I couldn't take her out, I didn't have time.

I got home at 20 after.

I didn't even get to shower or nothing.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> I'm sorry, It was either that or if we went and got her, we'd have missed it.

>> Oh, God damn it!

>> Christopher, I'm sorry!

>> I'd have liked to have had Amy here.

>> Oh, Christopher, don't throw a temper tantrum.

>> I am not.

I mean, my God, I'm not even allowed to speak to my sister.

>> Lord, Christopher >> Bite me.

Bitch.

>> Each of you have gone through a lot of obstacles.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> You've had a lot of setbacks, and, um... >> More than our fair share (laughter) >> You guys have done it.

>> Hey, guys!

(laughter) >> Hey, Mitzi.

>> Uh-huh, you made me a promise, didn't you?

>> Yes, I did.

>> And what did I tell you?

>> You'd be here.

>> I'd be here, hey.

>> Old times' sake.

>> Congratulations!!

>> I hope.

(laughter) Oh, man.

Is this supposed to go in the front or the back?

♪ ♪ How do you put this thing on?

♪ ♪ >> I'm so glad you're here.

>> Oh, yeah!

>> Today, Chris, he'll be receiving both the GED and he will be getting his high school diploma, so... >> Mm-hmm.

>> I'm officially graduated.

>> (whispering): I just wanted to give you a hug.

Okay, go ahead.

♪ ♪ >> Whew!

>> Today, each of our graduates have been faced with many obstacles.

Some of their journey has been marked with a history of failure.

Some have been marked with severe financial constraints.

Some have been marked with alcohol and drugs.

Some have been marked with illness.

The journey has not been easy.

And each of you have made that journey.

And it's-- it's just-- it's just really wonderful.

Each of our graduates have been asked to take a moment to help define themselves, to come before you and speak, and share a little bit of their journey.

Each of their stories is real.

It is a defining moment for them.

(applause) >> Chris Johnson.

>> Oh, God.

(applause) >> Parents, students, and teachers of the David School.

If it weren't for your contributions, I would not be standing before you today.

To some people, this diploma is nothing more than a piece of fancy paper.

But it means a lot more to me.

This diploma proves that I can do more than just be taught.

This diploma means that I have a future.

No matter what the odds, I know I can overcome them.

There have been many times in my life that I have just given up on school altogether, yet this school did not give up on me.

This school has given its time and willpower to see me make the grade.

Now, I can finally say, I have.

As far as I can remember, I have always been the pessimistic type.

It didn't matter what the activity was, I could always find a downside to it.

Yet when I had found a downside, the teachers here would find something optimistic about the subject and coax me through.

When I got up to that podium, and realized that, for the first time in my life, I wanted my father to be a part of this.

At first, I didn't want my father there because I was afraid that he would be an embarrassment.

I won't lie to you.

I just-- literally inside have broken down.

And the fact that my little sister wasn't there, made it worse.

I have been here for four years and it is about time I got out of here.

(laughter) Just kidding.

At the graduation, I could tell that my mother was proud of me.

So I figure, with my mother and her boyfriend...

I mean, there's no use in trying to break it up anymore.

I might as well get along with him.

Everyone here means a lot to me.

No matter what our differences, we are all here for the same reason: to succeed.

So I leave you students with this message: take full advantage of what the David School has to offer, because if you pass this chance up, there may not be another.

Thank you.

(applause) >> At this time, I would like to present our fall 2001 graduates.

Shaina Ousley?

(applause) >> Kenny Burchett.

(applause) Chris Johnson.

(applause) So proud of you.

>> Thanks.

Thank you.

>> Chris, I've really looked forward to this day.

>> I bet you have.

Ah, get over here, come on.

>> I'm proud of you.

>> Thank you.

If it hadn't been for you, I'd not even have made it this far.

(sniffling) I told you I'd make it, too.

>> You did!

>> See ya.

>> We're going to miss our seniors.

I'm so proud of you for graduating.

>> We're free, fellers, free!.

(cheers and applause) I finally made it.

>> You did good.

You really did.

Everybody-- everybody liked it.

>> I got to give you a cigarette now, don't I?

>> No, give me my hat back.

>> Congratulations.

>> Stay out of trouble, okay?

>> Christopher, you going to try to come up to the house?

>> I'm going to see if I can get-- well, never mind.

>> You want to ride with us?

>> That's what I was thinking.

>> Oh, no.

I got to go with them.

>> Okay, just go on ahead.

>> No.

>> No, it's okay, honest.

I'll stick around here for the rest of the day.

I'll finish up here with school and I'll just ride home on the bus.

That'll give me time to spend time with my students.

>> Okay.

Christopher, you done good.

(crying) Oh lord.

Chris, it'll work out though.

>> Okay?

Okay?

Hey, I told you I'd make it, didn't I?

>> Yeah.

>> I made it.

That's all that matters.

Come on.

(crying) She'll be fine.

Mom.

>> It's okay.

>> Looks like someone else is getting the waterworks, aren't they?

Liar.

(chuckles) I told you I'd do it.

>> Yeah.

>> You like my diploma?

Blank sheet of paper.

>> Did he stay at school?

>> Huh?

>> Chris.

>> Well, he stayed for a little bit.

>> What's he going to do?

>> I think he's thinking about going to Alice Lloyd.

>> That's a nice college.

>> I think for business.

>> Gag.

Well, if he, you know, could put up with the boredom of it all.

>> That kid can put up with anything.

As much as he's been through, it'll probably be a pleasure for him do business.

>> That speech he gave just showed how... >> That was better than everybody's speech, you know?

He actually wrote-- that was a ten times better speech than I wrote.

You know, I didn't speak it... >> I didn't read your speech, but that's... >> You know, Chris actually, like, wrote it like a speech, instead of just a paper he was reading.

>> Yeah.

>> I hope he does go to college.

>> I hope he does, too.

>> He's too smart to sit there and ruin himself... >> He is.

>> ...working minimum wage restaurants.

>> He is way too smart.

>> I don't know.

I can't see how his family wouldn't want him to go to college or nothing.

>> I don't see how any families are like that, but I guess if you were never raised with the-- you know.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Knowing that college is an option or never having the chance to go or never even thinking of going, then I suppose you don't really see it as important.

>> That's true.

Well... >> You can get by with a check every month.

(laughs) That's how life should be lived.

>> I wish I had enough money to get Chris a Christmas present.

>> Chris, we only allow graduates to work on our Christmas tree.

>> Oh, when did this happen?

>> Today, grab a-- grab an ornament.

(laughter) >> So what'd your mom think about the graduation?

I saw her crying.

>> Yeah, she went misty-eyed.

>> I did, too, don't hold that against her.

>> Why would I?

>> Are you upset then that your sister didn't get to come?

>> Oh, yeah.

I was pissed.

>> What's your mom saying about you going on to Alice Lloyd hopefully?

>> Well, she's no too happy about the fact I may not be able to buy her car.

>> You don't need a car over there.

>> You don't need one.

>> I know I don't.

>> Everything is on campus.

>> You see, the thing was, she wanted me to take over the payments on her car, but the way it's looking, you see, if I...

I told her the only way I would possibly take the payments over on that car was if there was a chance I could get a job over there that didn't involve the fact that I had to pay back my tuition.

>> Let me tell you something.

Your education is about you, not anybody else.

>> I know, but you know I like to help out now and then.

>> Is she still moving?

>> Uh, she hasn't said anything different, so I guess the answer's yes.

>> You do this for yourself.

>> I'm trying to.

>> That's what you need to do.

>> Well, that's what it's, well, basically intended for.

I'm wanting to take classes, try to major in business management?

>> Well, that'd be good.

>> Yeah.

Maybe I can use my big mouth to my advantage.

>> Well, you got a point there.

>> Then you going to go to law school?

>> I don't know about law school.

I had a teacher ask me to be a lawyer.

>> What I want to know... >> Uh-huh.

>> What do you really think about college?

I mean, are you scared?

>> Yes.

>> You should be.

>> Scared out of my wits.

I mean, that's new people I've got to meet, that's new classes I've basically--- I've probably never even heard of.

>> Well, I just wondered, because I know when I went to school, I was straight out of high school, decided the-- the big woman on campus had to go to Eastern.

>> Oh, boy.

>> So... >> I bet that was hard.

>> My mom and dad agreed.

I went.

My first day of school, they took me down, dropped me off.

I walked all the way down back to my dorm crying.

>> Mm-hmm.

Oh, because of... >> That's a big step.

>> Well, I was-- I was never afraid to stay away from home.

I mean, when I... >> That doesn't have anything to do with it.

>> Well, I know but... >> Staying away from home and going to college are two totally different things.

>> Listen, yes, college is a very big step.

>> Okay.

>> Something I never thought in a million years I'd be doing.

>> Okay, that's-- that's what I wondered.

>> But still, when it comes to the point of, you know, like having to leave the family and so forth, well, it ain't going to bother me.

But, yes, I'll probably walk down teary eyed just like you did.

I mean, I'm not going to lie.

>> Well, I mean, I would think that would be a normal thing.

>> Yeah.

>> Who's going to do this?

Who wants to say something?

Let's all say something!

>> Uh-oh.

>> Teachers first.

>> Yes.

>> To good luck at school, to studying hard, doing well, and making everyone proud of you at David.

>> Well, thank you.

>> The graduate next.

>> Well, thank you.

May you all live a long and happy life.

>> Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris, Chris.

>> Let me turn the light off now and see if the tree's... Oh, how pretty!

>> I liked that a lot, that was killer.

>> You know, we want you to feel at home.

>> So, have you made up your mind if you're going to come over here and eat with us on Christmas?

>> I'm not sure yet.

It just depends on what my family's doing.

If they decide to let me, I'll... >> Let you?

>> Yeah.

>> ♪ Mama, I've seen you cry a million times ♪ ♪ And I knew what was on your mind ♪ ♪ Raising your children that you have on this Earth ♪ ♪ Mama, in heaven there's a place ♪ ♪ Waiting for your gentle face ♪ ♪ There you'll live forevermore ♪ (snoring) >> Jessica, Daddy's not feeling good.

>> When is he feeling good?

>> Well, he ain't felt good for a long time.

>> I'm worried about him.

>> Oh, God.

He's all laid out pathetic looking.

>> I don't know when Daddy will be feeling good, to tell you the truth.

>> He's like-- he's like-- oh, he's asleep.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> He's always sleepy.

>> Yeah, well, I guess I'll get Ray some country tapes for Christmas, I don't know.

>> I'd get him some picks or something.

He always needs picks.

>> Ah, I can get him something better than picks.

>> He told me to get him a shirt, a pullover shirt.

>> He won't wear no pullover shirt.

>> You could get him those T-shirts that have the pockets.

>> He wouldn't wear a T-shirt.

I've seen him, like, once or twice wear sweatpants, but it's such a-- it never happens.

>> He only wears them when he's in the hospital.

>> What else does he do that I could get him?

>> He has no interests.

>> Well, what can you get the man?

>> He's going to be waking up here in a minute, because he's get-- he's starting to sweat.

Gonna get too hot.

>> Do you watch him?

>> Huh?

>> I know him inside and out.

>> Yeah, pretty much.

>> What do you want for Christmas, Ray?

>> He needs some strength and, uh... >> Yes.

I feel like a-- like a chicken that tried to cross the road and didn't make it.

>> Yeah, buy him a wheelchair >> I want to get a wheelchair.

Where do they sell 'em at?

>> But why do you want a wheelchair?

>> I could put some big mud tires on it for you.

I'll get a 3.5 horsepower lawnmower engine put on the back of it.

>> Uh-huh.

>> You could start it up and ride it around David.

>> Whew.

Cody, you know, it's bad when you got to take medicine, and you know you have to take it, but it does a lot of things to you.

>> Ray, I hope that they do something to help you.

>> Yeah.

But I can't take the seizures, I mean, I can't handle that.

>> Another one would kill him off, about right now.

>> I have seizures sometimes.

>> You don't have them anymore.

>> Uh-uh.

>> Yeah.

Well, today I fell.

>> This is serious.

We got to get something done.

>> Just as soon as I stood up, I just hit the floor.

>> Oh, God.

When was this?

>> I thought that was yesterday you fell?

>> No, it was today.

>> Are you sure?

>> Yeah.

>> How'd you get back up?

>> Well, I climbed back up.

But I can't take the seizures.

>> Cody, what are you wanting for Christmas?

>> That guitar you ordered.

>> Has it come in yet?

>> Yeah, because I called and they tracked it down.

>> Well, it is here.

>> Well.

>> Santa Claus has got it and got it hid.

>> You're hard to shop for, you know.

>> Yes, I am, I'm very hard.

>> So I just got you a card.

>> Well, that's lovely.

>> Yeah, and I got Ray a Charlie Daniels CD and Tammy a Journey CD, so... >> Well good.

>> Yeah.

Ray's hard to shop for, too.

>> Well, I guess he is.

How's he doing?

>> He looks strung out-- like a drunk is what he looks like.

>> Mm-hmm.

Yeah, well, it's really sad.

>> He looks-- I mean, he's sick but his-- that big-- the redness is coming out of his face a little bit.

>> Mm-hmm, yeah.

>> And yeah, so, I mean his DTs haven't been too bad, because he's got nerve pills.

He shakes a little bit.

>> That-- that will help.

That will help.

I hope that he will go in for treatment and get detoxed and all of that so it would would make such a difference in his life.

>> I talked to Tammy about it.

>> It really would, in all their lives.

>> I talked to Tammy about it, and the thing is, is she...

I don't think she believes that it could really help him is the trouble.

And I told her to talk to you, but I... >> She needs-- she needs to, honey.

Ray's been very good to you.

>> Yeah.

I think in church the other day they asked what we were thankful for, and what I said we was it-- even though I lost my family, I gained six or seven others, because I got you guys, I got my band mates, I got Jessica's family.

I got more than one family now.

>> Yes, you do.

You're very lucky.

>> Yeah.

>> Very lucky >> Christmas is coming soon, so merry Christmas.

>> Well, merry Christmas to you too, honey.

>> Today I'm going to Alice Lloyd to see about a Pell grant.

And I'm going to take the ACT exam.

I hadn't slept all night and I had had no preparation for it.

I just had to go in.

Oh, boy.

>> Okay, Chris, come on, I'll take you down to our financial aid director, Nancy Milton, if you'll just follow me.

>> Yeesh.

That the test?

>> I'm sure you'll do fine on the test.

>> Yeah, hopefully.

>> We'll get your test graded and get it back to you, and like I said, I'll probably start at the end of the afternoon today and through the morning and... >> Take your time, I'm in no hurry, believe me.

Because I'd say when I see those scores I'll either pass out or go crazy.

>> Nancy?

Chris Johnson from the David School.

>> Hi.

>> How was your test?

>> Yeesh.

(laughs) >> Like any other ACT test, I'm sure.

>> Understatement of the year.

>> Yeah, for sure.

So, did you bring those letters of recommendation?

I had asked Danny if he would send something, because it sounds like that you're pretty much on your own.

>> At this moment, I'm basically independent.

>> You know, there's a lot of paperwork with this.

But it's one of those things, that if you're going to be in college and it's going to be something that you're just going to have to keep up and just say have to say, "Okay, I've got to do it."

Because you're going to be getting financial aid that will cover everything.

The end result is, "I'm going to be in college, I'm going to be getting a degree, and I'm going to be able to support myself eventually."

I'm hoping that you're not having a lot of outstanding debts and that sort of thing that you're going to be paying things on.

>> Well, I have not-- I don't have any debts at this moment.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> But, you see, I was looking into maybe transportation.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Case maybe.

See, my parents wanted to give me a car.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> But, you see, there's a finance payment on it.

>> Mm-hmm.

Of course, I know people do and want to have transportation, but what we're talking about at best would be possibly not have any expenses that you would owe.

Plus we would be able, if you're interested in working 15 hours work study, be able to say, "Okay, you get a $100 every month," but I mean, that's not going to go far on a finance thing.

>> Oh, yeah.

>> And I certainly wouldn't try to balance a budget with that... >> I don't have to take the car.

It's just if I-- if I have, like, no other, you know, alternative.

Say something goes wrong and I need to go get a-- go out and get a job.

>> Your primary job is going to be being a college student, working ten hours a week on the college work study program here, and if you don't have a car payment, then you don't have to go and find a job.

Now, we can fill out some of the nitty-gritty kinds of things and then give you the other part to fill out.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Okay.

We'll walk back over there and make sure that we are sure about what all needs to be done and try to get everything in, everything that you need to.... >> I'm trying to get everything squared away before the scores get in.

>> Mm-hmm.

Now what are you doing with admissions; what have they told you to do?

>> So far, nothing.

>> When did they say they would be able to let you know something?

>> Not sure.

>> Now, Cody, you're going to go and see your mother's parents, Sarah and Henry.

And I'm sure they're excited and so are you.

>> Yeah, I'm kind of curious.

>> How long has it been?

>> Since I was 14.

>> Probably if they would meet you on the street, they wouldn't know who you were!

>> Yeah, well, I better get going.

>> Well, you have fun.

>> All right, I'll see you later.

>> Okay.

>> Bye, bye.

>> Bye.

>> You take care.

>> All right.

>> Bye, bye.

>> Bye.

>> See you tonight.

♪ ♪ >> Cody, did you pick out which room you want?

>> I don't care.

I ain't real picky.

(laughter) This is a nice place.

>> This floor here, I had to take it up.

It had a sag in it.

>> Yeah.

>> I had to put joints in it and raise it up.

Well, what you want to do, show him upstairs now?

>> Yeah.

>> This is where me and Adam lived when we first moved out here.

>> That's cool.

>> You want to sit down?

>> Yeah.

>> If Liz moves to Florida, would you be interested in moving down through here?

>> Thanks, but I'll probably have to move somewhere bigger, because I'm going into graphic arts and little places there ain't no business.

>> Yeah.

>> I'll be working for minimum wage with a degree.

>> Well, this is kind of small down here, too.

>> I'd probably have to go somewhere bigger.

>> Well, you know you're welcome anytime.

>> I know.

It made me feel real good that my grandparents said if I needed a place to stay, I could come there.

It didn't just make me feel good because they were willing to do it, but you know, their love for me has always been unconditional, that I don't have to earn.

>> You know, I said I feel like I really let you down, you know, when you lost your dad.

I should never have signed the papers.

>> Nobody knew how it was going to turn out.

You know... >> I'm just glad that you ended up with Liz.

>> Yeah, I am, too.

>> Because I feel like Liz has done a better job for you, you know, and... >> She's been really, really cool.

>> I hope that if I would have-- you would have lived with me that I would have done half the job that Liz has done with you.

>> Yeah, Liz has-- Liz has been really cool.

>> Know that I will never be able to thank her enough or, you know, whatever, for what she's done for you.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> You know, I'm trying to quit smoking.

But I was probably like your mom, you know, I'm wanting to be cool with all of her friends.

(laughs) And it's not cool after you get hooked on it.

>> Yeah.

>> Course, your mom could-- well, she didn't smoke, she liked to-- she would buy cigarettes, but she would go in the store and pick out the prettiest pack and she would buy them, and then she might smoke two cigarettes a week.

>> I didn't want to get a big discussion started about my mother, because I never really knew her.

I was like five months old when she killed herself.

It's hard to be curious about somebody you didn't know.

>> Your mother loved to cook, but she went by the recipes as long as she wanted to, and when she decided she didn't want to go with the recipe, she'd add little extra things in.

>> Yeah.

You know, I don't have any parents anymore, and I kind of feel God has replaced my parents more than anything.

>> She would just laugh... >> So I kind of feel that He's my parent, and that's who I'm more curious about.

>> She liked to make desserts, she wasn't-- but anything really that she cooked, it was barbecued.

>> Cody, you can call anytime, I'll come up and get you.

>> Yeah.

Once I figured out how my schedule is, I'll come up this summer.

>> Well, you know you're welcome anytime.

>> Thanks, Grandpa.

>> Come back out here.

♪ ♪ >> I had just received word I had failed the ACT exam.

I was devastated, but I also realized I at least took a shot at it.

I didn't walk away from it.

My education is still on my mind.

I still want to go to college, but it may not be over at Alice Lloyd College.

>> Chris, you can stay at my house for as long as you need.

>> Well, that's cool, that works for me.

>> You know, I'm always going to be here for you, that's why we're buddies.

>> You want to pack up?

>> Okay.

>> After I had to move out of my apartment, I went to stay over at my friend Jay's house.

>> Whatever you need, we can squeeze it in some way or another.

>> Jay is illiterate, he can't read, he can't write.

>> You can bring all that stuff back to my house.

>> But Jay is a very intelligent person.

>> Yeah.

Okay.

Yeah.

>> I think that's all of them.

>> Yeah.

Everything's going to be all right, Chris.

>> Mm-hmm, let's go.

We both need someone to talk to.

>> Well, Chris, I'll teach you how to grocery shop.

>> That'd be cool.

I'm easy to talk to.

He's somewhat easy to talk to.

I'm going to have to work on this sometime, either tomorrow evening or whatnot.

>> We'll make it some way.

>> Partner.

I know.

>> You know, I'm always going to be here for you, that's why we're buddies.

(dog barking) >> Hush, Grouch.

(dog barking) I'll set this stuff here for now.

(whistles) We're going to have to hit this room hard.

>> Yeah.

>> Jay, this is going to be interesting, very interesting.

>> Chris, you know I'm here to help.

Whatever you need.

>> Yeah.

>> That's what buddies are for.

>> Okay, lets see.

I mean, I'm talking point of no return.

>> Where you going to put that?

>> I don't know.

I'm still debating on which one.

I'll probably put this one in here somewhere.

>> I'll get the thumbtacks.

>> Figured I'd get this room a little color.

Well, it's got plenty of color, but not the type I'm looking for.

>> Yeah.

>> To be honest, Jay's house is not one of the cleanest.

>> We've got to clean this mother-hummer.

>> Yeah.

>> Okay, it's downright filthy, but it works for me.

>> Hey, Chris?

>> What?

>> Thumbtacks.

>> Oh, don't worry about those right now.

We can worry about that later.

Whew.

Yikes.

We've got to hit this room and we've got to hit it hard.

This place looks awful.

>> Yeah, it sure does.

So, ah, Chris, you think you'd do better on the test this time?

>> Now that I've seen what the test is like, it should be fairly simple now, because I won't be as nervous.

>> You won't have as much pressure on you like you had.

>> Right, you see, with the GED, I at least had the pre-GED test.

>> Yeah.

>> So basically I had, like, a refresher.

>> Okay.

>> Now that I've taken the ACT and failed it miserably... >> Yeah.

I know what you're saying.

>> I feel a little bit more confident.

>> You going to make it to college?

>> Yes, but if I went to Alice Lloyd, which I can't, because the insurance on the car, because I got to work to pay it... >> Yeah.

>> And take over my mother's car payment is almost $300 a month.

And I know there is no way, unless I pick up at least two good jobs to pay that.

>> Yeah.

>> And I want to work.

I figure I might as well go to PCC.

>> Okay.

>> At least that way I know I can work and go to school, too.

And I can choose what time I want go in for classes and go for like night classes or something.

>> What are you going to do, do a part-time job while you're going to college?

>> Hell, no, full time.

>> Well, how are you going to be able to work full-time and go to college, too?

>> Simple; I don't ask for doubles on the nights I go to school.

>> Well, you think the PCC will have the same thing the other college offered?

>> If wont have everything the college offered.

>> Will it have what you want though?

>> I'll not walk away debt-free, I know that much.

>> Will it have what you've been wanting to train in-- skill for?

>> No, but I'm always open to anything.

That's one of the good things about me, I'm always open to anything.

>> Well, you think later on in life, you'll be able to fulfill your dreams?

>> You don't have to be a genius to fulfill a dream.

You see, my dream was to actually succeed at something, and I did.

I got my GED.

>> Maybe one day you want to get married and have a family?

>> If I try to start a family now, all it's going to be is hardships for them, and I ain't going to put 'em through that.

>> Everything will be all right, Chris.

>> That's why I figured, you know, wait till I am steady, financially.

>> Okay, we can help each other out.

You can teach me how to drive, I'll teach you how to get food stamps.

That's what buddies are for.

>> Partner, thanks.

>> Whew, damn!

God!

>> Ray quit drinking and he's looking a lot better.

(Ray laughs) I asked Ray to come up to the guitar class at school to talk a little bit and sing some songs.

And he came up there-- hairy, short, blue uniform.

He looked like Ray.

>> Man!

>> Then he surprised me about how good he could talk with everybody... >> ...

I could sing anything.

>> You know, he wasn't boring >> But I love writing songs, and I just know some basic chords, and I-- I write my songs off that.

And I write em from my heart.

I mean, if you're going to write a song, then more than likely you write from your heart.

Somewhere, if you're writing a song, some event probably happened in your life, or your boyfriend, your girlfriend left you.

>> Didn't you get on like, the independent country charts one time?

>> Uh-huh.

>> You got number 11?

>> That come out in Nashville.

You ever heard of Music Row?

Where all the big stars play?

I walked that street I don't know how many times.

They got bars on the doors.

They won't even talk to you.

But anyway, I finally got this one guy to listen to me and I recorded a record, and it's called, "If You Can't Love a Woman."

And it made it to number 11 on the independent charts, which tickled me to death.

But if you're planning on going to Nashville and being a big star, it's not as easy as what people think.

>> Ray, play that one about that fat woman chasing you.

>> Oh!

(laughter) >> I like that one.

>> See, that's what I say about these songs, you know.

There's some truth in all of it.

(laughter) All my songs, they have some truth in it.

This is actually called, "I'm a Married Man."

And truthfully, I am and I was when I went there.

But I got talked into this.

How in the world did you ever bring that up?

(laughter) (strumming guitar) ♪ Well, I was jumping over tables ♪ ♪ Running through the bars ♪ ♪ Trippin' over beer cans, Runnin' to my car ♪ ♪ I was moving ♪ ♪ Hell, I'm a married man ♪ Let me start this over.

(laughter) This a crazy song.

>> I like this song, man.

>> Do you?

>> Ray thinks he screwed everything up.

>> Let me see if I can get that.

>> But the kids liked Ray and they thought he sounded really good, and they liked his songs.

>> ♪ I was moving ♪ ♪ Yeah, that woman was after me ♪ ♪ Well, I'm a married man, don't you understand?

♪ ♪ Woman, won't you let this poor man be?

♪ (laughter) (applause) >> Sorry for the mistakes.

>> You want to tell us how big that woman was?

>> Huge.

>> And she was chasing you?

>> Well, yeah.

Really.

(laughter) >> You know, I was really proud of him, and I think it made Ray happy that I asked him, because he told Jessica that it tickled him to death.

>> But they got an amateur night there, and that's before I went to Nashville, and that's where I learned-- that's where I wrote that song from.

>> You got maybe one or two more?

>> Actually, I'm going to have to go.

>> Okay, okay.

>> I'd like to come back sometime if you-- it's all right with you guys.

>> Yeah.

>> I'll do some more.

>> Yeah.

>> Different stuff; maybe I'll make it through a song.

>> I told y'all.

>> He's good.

>> I know you don't believe me, but believe it or not, Cody, I enjoyed watching you play the guitar.

>> I don't believe it.

(laughter) But thanks for coming out here, Ray.

I might be over today.

>> Okay.

>> See you later, man.

>> You guys be good.

>> See you later.

>> Okay.

>> This guy sleeps more than anybody I've ever seen.

He's working or he's sleeping.

>> Well, you guys have fun!

>> See you later, man.

>> Bye, Ray.

>> I need to do something.

>> Now, Cody, this is your future; this is the only inheritance money that you will ever get.

>> Yeah.

>> What are your plans for your money?

To invest for how many years?

>> Five years.

>> Five years?

>> Uh-huh, that's what I figured I'd do anyway.

You know, I got all this inheritance money from my family.

If I don't, I'll just put it back in.

Today, Liz is taking me to this investment place to help me invest my money.

>> Now, Cody, this is for your future.

>> Yeah, okay.

>> How do you do?

>> Hi, how you doing?

>> I'm doing fine.

>> Good.

>> I'm Liz McGuire.

>> Sam Blankenship.

>> This is Cody Perkins.

>> Hi, Cody, how you doing?

>> Hello, pretty good.

>> Let's have a seat there.

>> Well, we have a little bit of money to invest from his dad's estate.

I always listen to Liz, but I don't always do what she tells me to do.

But when it comes to money, I always listen to her because Liz has managed her money really good.

>> He's planning on going to Mayo State Vocational School.

>> Mayo.

>> Okay, yeah.

>> I'm going to finance him on that and his schooling.

>> Liz takes care of me, and never charged me for a thing.

You know, even though I'm not blood related to her, she's always considered me her first grandchild.

>> This is what I've advised him on.

>> So, you've inherited some money and Ms. McGuire's going to help you with your education to Mayo state.

>> Yes.

>> Now, did you tell me that has how much?

>> Let me look here and see how much he has.

Here we have... >> Roughly around 27.

>> 26 something.

>> 26... >> I'll never forget her for what she's done for me.

And I hope that someday when I have kids, she'll still be around to see them.

>> The grandparents were very mad at me and him because they had to disburse this money, I suppose, but that's okay.

>> Yeah.

>> But he may get some later from his mother's parents.

>> Usually I suggest for the younger people, where they've not done any investing before, is maybe look at the different alternatives in the marketplace.

>> Yeah, okay.

>> Oh, God.

I had been told by my grandmother that my father had been put in the hospital again due to the seizures.

Honestly, I don't even think Randall has a year to live.

So I figure, I might as well spend as much time with him as I can.

>> Randall said that he'd prefer you all didn't film in here, so... >> My father's living at my aunt's house.

>> Chris.

>> He wanted me to move in with him.

>> But Randall's not drinking, I know for a fact.

>> Don't get mad at me, okay.

>> Chris, I told you.

>> Randall said he'd prefer y'all didn't come in here either so, you know.

>> Ah, it's no problem.

>> I'd rather you didn't... >> Why are you drunk?

>> I stay drunk.

>> There's no need to!

>> Well, I do!

>> I'm trying to take care of your father; I'm doing the best I can do.

>> I'm going to just get out of here before I hurt someone.

Drunk son of a bitch.

And she calls that taking care of him?

>> He was full-blown drunk.

It looked like he couldn't even walk.

Oh, (bleep).

(sighs) She could possibly call that taking care of him.

Helping him die.

The only reason he's happy down there is because he gets to do the one thing he loves-- drink.

That hurts.

(sniffles) This will be the last time I ever call Randall "Father," because I can't anymore, it hurts too much.

(sniffles) (honking) >> Hey, Chris.

So how's your daddy?

>> Can't really say-- can't really say much.

I mean, he is my father, but I don't know.

Sometimes I think I'd been better off if I'd been-- what do they call it, a bastard?

A guy without a father?

>> That's what they call them.

>> I don't know if that's the proper way!

>> I don't know.

>> I guess the proper terminology would be "without father".

>> You're the lucky one.

You got your daddy.

At least, you got to know him a little bit.

>> Yeah, I got to know him, but I don't think I wanted to.

>> Yeah.

So I know how bad it hurts you there, Chris.

>> Yeah.

>> I guess some things can't be helped.

I'm sorry.

(dog barks) >> Cody.

>> Uh-huh.

>> Let's talk about graduation.

>> Okay.

>> He's so serious.

>> I just want to graduate.

>> Cody.

>> Don't be serious.

>> You are graduating.

>> This year?

>> This year.

>> Okay.

>> Thursday.

>> All right.

>> Thursday night, 6:00.

>> You know, each year, the faculty review the upcoming graduates and takes the nominations as to who's the brightest star, and your name was recommended and you received a rather unanimous vote from the faculty to be the valedictorian of the school.

>> Really?

Well, that's crazy.

I didn't think I'd ever graduate.

(laughter) >> It's a wonderful opportunity.

>> Cool.

>> Very few students have graduated from here with the outstanding attendance that you have.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> That's excellent.

>> That's pretty cool.

>> You've brought a lot of pride to the school, brought a lot of leadership.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> And we're just really thrilled to have someone here with your commitment to education.

>> Uh-huh.

>> You'll be getting a formal letter on this, and-- but we wanted to give you the heads up.

>> Mm-hmm, cool.

>> Before graduation.

>> I thought I wasn't going to graduate.

>> Liz'll be very proud of you.

>> Mm-hmm.

Yup.

>> Well, let me give you a real congratulations.

(laughs) >> All right.

Really good.

Thank you.

>> Thank you, Cody.

>> That's awesome.

>> I want a hug.

Congratulations.

>> All right, thank you.

Hey, guess who's valedictorian?

>> What, you?

Shut up!

>> I swear it, man.

>> You swear to God?

>> Yeah.

That's what they just told me!

>> Uh-uh, God, that's killer!

>> I thought it would be Andrea or somebody.

>> That's awesome.

>> Yeah, pretty good.

>> I thought they were going to go over there and go.

"Well, you're not graduating."

(laughter) >> Hello, Cody.

>> Hello.

>> How are you today?

>> Pretty good.

>> Good, good.

>> I got some good news.

>> Oh, you did, what?

>> I'm valedictorian.

>> How wonderful.

>> Nobody seen that coming.

>> No, I don't think they did.

>> I didn't.

I thought they were going to tell me I wasn't going to graduate when they called me out.

>> Oh, how wonderful, honey, That's wonderful.

Oh, yeah.

>> So, that was pretty neat.

I never thought I'd end up being vice president and valedictorian in my high school.

I just never thought I was that kind of person, but I guess I am.

>> I guess you are.

That is wonderful.

I am so happy for you.

And I know you're very proud of yourself, aren't you?

>> Don't tell none of the rest of them.

I want them to find out when they get there.

>> Oh.

Okay, you want it to be a total surprise for them.

Well, that's wonderful, honey, I'm glad.

>> Yeah.

I'm going to school.

>> Well, I'm real-- I'm real glad, Cody, that everything has turned out so well for you.

>> I didn't think I'd ever make it out of high school.

>> Well, I knew you'd make it out.

>> Somehow.

>> Somehow, yeah, you'd make it.

Just took a little longer, didn't it, honey?

>> Ray said, "You're out of high school, "so about how much longer will it be until Jessica's out of the house?"

(laughter) Because me and Tammy were thinking we'd save a little bit of money if she was.

>> Well, you tell him he'd better save plenty of it, because if there's a wedding coming up, that's kind of expensive, honey.

>> Well, when is Cody's graduation?

>> We've never gotten an invitation.

>> I believe nobody has.

>> I just don't know.

If I don't get an invitation, I can't buy no gift, because I... >> I didn't get an invitation, neither.

>> I just don't not going to buy no gift for somebody that don't invite me to their graduation.

>> You have to get me a gift.

Let me tell you why.

>> Why?

>> Because I'm valedictorian.

>> You're a valedictorian?

>> Yeah.

>> How many, how many's graduating-- one?

(laughs) >> Seven.

(laughter) >> I'm teasing.

>> You're mean.

>> Cody.

>> Are you?

>> Yeah.

>> He's valedictorian, salutatorian, honorable mention and everything all rolled into one.

(laughter) I kid.

Very good, Cody, I'm proud of you.

>> Yeah, it is, that's great.

>> Very admirable, it is.

>> What are you going to-- do you have to give a speech?

>> It's pronounced valedictorian-- valedictorian.

>> Valevictorian.

>> No, "dict," "dict" with a D. >> Valevictorian.

>> Like dog.

"Dict-torian" not "vict."

>> What did Cody call it?

>> Victorian-- "valevictorian."

(laughs) >> Cody is the valedictorian and can't pronounce it.

>> Right.

>> What's wrong with this picture?

>> You say you got to give a speech, Cody?

>> Yeah.

>> You have any idea what you're going to say?

>> Yeah, I got a speech wrote.

>> What you going to say?

>> It's just all about how I didn't like school... >> Oh.

>> How I made it through anyways.

>> I'm sure you ain't going to say that.

>> I said, not a day went by that I didn't want to fake sick and stay home.

>> Well, what kind of good thing are you going to say about it?

>> You say there's just going to be seven people graduating?

>> I think.

>> See, I always wanted a kid that was valedictorian, but I was never that lucky.

(laughs) I'm kidding.

You just can't take a joke this evening.

>> No, I-- I thought-- I don't pay attention to you.

>> Well, you know, you can't be beautiful and have brains, too.

>> Look at mom today, she's being cruel.

>> I'm not.

>> You are.

>> I speak the truth.

>> To an outsider, this would appear as a very dysfunctional family.

>> Well, when is Cody's graduation?

>> Thursday.

>> Okay, Thursday.

(train whistle blowing) >> Well, Chris, you looking forward for the trip?

>> I hope I don't get any speeding tickets, because that'll make it more of a hassle.

>> So you got everything all packed up?

>> No, you've got to be kidding me!

>> It's rough-- rough packing all that stuff.

>> Partner, it don't matter.

I can get most of it out today.

>> So how you think the trip going to go?

>> I just say, drive to Florida's going to be real interesting in that U-Haul.

>> Yeah.

>> I dread that drive, I'm telling you.

>> In the U-Haul.

Well, you're not exactly used... >> Well, the thing's about as big as a semi.

>> I'm taking my grandmother to Florida to move in with my mother.

It's going to be tricky.

You see, my grandmother owes two and a half months rent on that trailer.

It's just beside the point.

The trailer is being repossessed.

It was supposed to have been repossessed yesterday, but they have not arrived yet.

It shouldn't be-- it shouldn't be too bad to move all that stuff out.

>> Yeah.

>> It's just the fact is it was hopefully a place I might have been living.

>> Yeah.

>> But you know how that goes.

>> Everything will be all right, Chris.

>> It's a little tricky after awhile.

>> It's rough.

>> Ah.

I just say, move 'em out, go on like a little adventure, you know?

>> Yeah.

>> Drive to Florida's going to be real interesting in that U-Haul.

>> You think you'd like Florida?

>> Big cities like that, I don't know.

They-- I don't know, they excite me and they scare me a little bit, but other than that should be fine.

>> Yeah.

>> Well, listen, partner I got to go.

I got to go help my grandmother move.

>> You know I'm here to help.

(grunts) >> Come on!

Hey, Jay!

Did you get everything?

>> Yeah.

>> Did you put cologne on?

>> Yeah.

>> God damn, now I know you ain't riding in the truck with me, you're going to stink me plum out.

Roll down your window.

I can't breathe.

(laughs) >> Well, the trailer company is coming after the trailer, because I've done told them to pick it up, and I'm moving out of it.

But they've harassed my family around here over it, and only two payments behind.

And I just told 'em to come and get it.

>> That truck won't hold anymore.

>> Take as much as we can.

>> So I'm moving to Florida.

>> That was the last decent one we ever took.

Who the hell scratched a cross in Randall's eye?

>> I don't know.

>> I did that a long time ago.

So we still got to unload that son-of-a-bitch.

>> I thought you was going to take a break for a second.

>> I'm ready for the job-- good strong back and a prayer to God.

Ready?

One, two, three, lift.

(grunting) >> Very good.

All right.

Just like we did the dryer.

Ready?

>> Yeah.

>> Lift.

Down the step.

Ready?

Let me know when you're ready.

>> Yeah.

>> Lift.

Down a step.

Okay, like I say.

When you're ready.

Lift.

What happened to your muscle?

>> I don't know.

>> Jay, here, here!

I do feel kind of downhearted at the fact that the place I have lived at, I have to leave and this time for good.

I'm going to just be the only one here of my family anymore.

So I'm going to miss all of them, greatly!

(train whistle blowing) >> Hey, I go first.

>> Cody.

>> Yes.

>> Go out this door over there.

>> Mm-hmm.

(music playing) Hey, Jess.

>> (whispering): You'll be great.

(laughter) >> I'd like to welcome everyone to the David School's spring graduation.

What we did, we had some of-- all the teachers really-- come up with something to say about you graduates, okay?

Cody?

You're a creative fella-- you can always figure out ways to solve a problem in the class or about.

>> You know?

He might be a good counselor.

But I'm sure glad he got rid of that blonde hair.

(laughter) >> This is one day that I wish my dad was here to see.

About the whole time he raised me, I never did great in school, but ah... >> You know, Cody said two days ago... >> I guess I'd just like him to be here now to show him I did do it, after all.

I'm graduating, and I'd just like him to see that.

>> I'd help him get everything done to graduate.

>> You know, I know he'd be proud.

>> Cody, we are proud that you are the David School valedictorian for 2002.

We know you can and will go far with your education.

(applause) >> It's amazing.

>> When you hear the word valedictorian what do you think of?

Probably a clean-cut student who loves school.

I am neither of these things, however.

I got long hair, I like body piercing.

Before David, I never really liked school.

Not a day went by that I didn't want to fake sick and stay home.

I was never the model student before I came to David.

I failed most of my classes at Prestonsburg High School.

I'm standing here graduating today because people at the David School believed in me.

A lot of people showed up for my graduation.

My grandparents from my mom's side.

They had to drive, I think it was three hours, and I'm glad they made it.

...test scores were not even close to where they needed to be.

My grandparents from my dad's side haven't come.

I don't know if they're still mad at me.

I don't really worry about it.

I would like to thank all the teachers who have ever taught me in class, for continuing to push me to the next level.

Second, I would like to thank my family for taking me in and being there for me.

I would like to thank my band mates and all my other close friends for being there for me and believing in me.

If it wasn't for all these people, I would never have realized why I needed to educate myself.

For the future, I plan on attending Mayo Technical College and majoring in graphic arts this next fall semester.

Before I leave here today, I'm leaving the students with this word of advice: never quit chasing your dreams-- they may or may not come true, but at least you had a dream to chase.

(applause) >> Never quit chasing it.

>> Thank you.

Everybody liked my speech, even though I thought it was kind of crappy.

>> Congratulations, we're so proud of you.

>> A lot of people told me they were proud of me and all that.

>> Congratulations.

>> You know, same thing that happens at everybody's graduation-- a lot of people say they're proud.

>> So proud of you, man.

>> Thank you, Darryl.

>> Cody, you're good, pretty interesting... >> Yeah, it is, that's great.

>> Very admirable.

>> Cody, wonderful speech you made.

>> Thank you.

>> Congratulations, young man.

You did a wonderful job speaking.

>> Thank you.

>> We're proud of you.

>> Thank you.

And I thought they were going to say, "Well, you aren't graduating," they say I'm valedictorian.

"What?"

(laughter) I said you might want to check those records again.

>> Well, now we're expecting great things of you.

>> Mm-hmm.

>> Cody's done really, really well.

(sniffles) >> I know that.

>> I think he's found his niche, his place, you know, it's... >> I know that.

>> It's been very good for him.

I've been really, really proud of him >> Yeah.

Yeah, okay.

I love you.

>> Love you.

>> Be careful, Cody.

>> I'm going to see you in two years doing the same thing.

>> Cody... >> Love you.

Y'all have a good, safe trip.

See you all later!

>> See you later.

Bye.

>> All right, let's go.

I got to go.

I'm going to go.

>> Jay, it can go up.

Can't come out anymore, we can't put anything more on the floor.

>> It's not going in the back of the U-Haul.

>> Yeah, that's going with us.

>> Okay.

>> Lift.

(grunting) >> Hold on, don't put a dent... Whoo!

Hey, Jay.

>> Yeah.

>> Get out of the truck!

>> I thought you was going to take a break for a second.

>> Sooner we get this done, sooner we can get on the road.

I'm renting a U-Haul, so that way, all the furniture can go at once, so that way there ain't going to be no two and three trips I have to make.

One trip, one way.

>> So, Chris?

>> Yeah.

>> How's your mom?

>> I don't know.

It's been so damn long.

>> She's still be wanting you to come back home.

That way she can get what money she can get out of you.

>> What?

>> Well, you know how it is, Chris.

>> Yeah.

(grunting) >> Jay!

>> What?

>> Careful.

>> Ready?

>> Yeah.

>> How do they say it?

Let's squeal the tires and ignite the fires?

(laughs) Let's go.

>> Think the truck will hold anymore?

>> Put the final box on your damn lap.

(laughs) No, I'm kidding.

(train whistle blowing) >> So, Cody, how'd you feel the graduation went last night?

>> Well, apparently, it went pretty good because everyone's complimenting me on it.

I didn't personally think it was that good of a speech.

>> Oh, man.

You sounded real intellectual, but I did have one problem with it.

>> Yeah, I know.

I know I didn't mention the Lord.

It never even crossed my mind.

>> Well, I guess I-- I guess I-- on behalf of God I have to give you some latitude.

You didn't mention your girlfriend, either.

(laughs) >> She goes-- she goes, "Where was I?"

I said, "You're a close friend."

>> Were you nervous about it?

>> Yeah.

Yeah, a little bit.

>> Once I got up there, I wasn't really too bad, but it's because everybody clapped for me and stuff.

And from where I'm so used to performing, I kind of feed off of crowd's energies and stuff.

So that's what, you know, I'd say that's a lot of the reason why I delivered a good speech because everybody, you know, clapped for me and all that stuff.

I think God arranged it for me to be valedictorian, because the way I look, people are cussing at you and, you know, I got to work now and I think, you know, with a valedictorian being on my record, that'd be a lot easier to get a job.

>> Yeah.

>> God kind of helped me out a little bit, you know, like he was cutting me a little break.

>> I know that you're planning on going to school.

Are you still thinking anything about pursuing ministry?

>> I do.

I think-- I swear, I think about it all the time.

I'm just like, you know, "What do you want me to do, God?"

You know, I know-- I know-- I believe that I got more than an ordinary calling on me, just because...

I mean, I look at my life and I don't know if I sound like I'm fooling myself or not, but really what it just is I think that I am able to talk to people, and when I talk they listen.

Because I've seen it, you know, at graduation, when our band plays and, you know, I've watched it happen.

And I just-- I don't think that I'm that great but, you know, if people listen, people listen.

>> Yeah.

>> And I think that, you know, God wants to use me and can use me for something a little bit more than normal, you know.

>> And I don't think I'd be satisfied like with my service for God if I left this world without doing something that's just a little bit beyond the call of duty.

♪ ♪ >> Well, Chris, you all ready to go?

>> I-- yeah.

I'm not exactly sure what's going to happen, but that's the fun of it.

>> Yeah.

>> I dread that drive, I'm telling you.

>> The clutch, with the standard... >> The reverse is up instead of down here in the back.

>> The U-Haul.

>> But the rest of the gears are just about the same.

That drive to Florida's going to be real interesting.

>> I hope we don't get lost this time.

(laughter) >> My mother, she's my last hope for a family.

My mom-- my mom and I didn't get along too well, but I'm going to try to make amends with my mother.

If it works out, fantastic, but if it don't, life goes on.

Come on!

Hey, Mamaw, I thought we were leaving!

>> All right, Chris.

>> Come on.

Just leave the stuff in the truck.

>> I know, Chris.

Let's go!

>> Jay, got to go.

>> Okay.

>> Let's go, Chris.

>> All right.

Hold on tight.

>> Then do it!

>> Come on.

I said come on, Chris.

>> I know, Mamaw.

That can't be helped.

I hope my mother says I can stay there in Florida with her.

>> Chris.

>> That would be the best wish ever come true.

But, if it's no, I'll just have to, you know, give up on having a family and just look out for number one-- me.

>> ♪ There's been times in my life ♪ ♪ Yeah, I know I crossed the line ♪ ♪ Mistakes that I made ♪ ♪ Weighs heavy on my mind ♪ ♪ If I could go back ♪ ♪ Lord, I'd change many things ♪ ♪ But it's time to move on ♪ ♪ Until my highway ends ♪ >> Explore more about the story of Chris and Cody at our website.

You'll find interviews with the boys and filmmaker David Sutherland's account of how he came to this story.

More about the David School, special readings and essays, including the importance of caring adults in the lives of young people, and why teenagers are turning to religion, plus more about the film's music, Ask questions of Chris and Cody, and watch this program again online, then join the discussion at PBS.org.

>> Next time: is the US military too dependent on "Private Warriors?"

Watch Frontline.

>> Country Boys is available on video cassette or DVD.

To order, call PBS home video at 1-800-PLAY-PBS.