For the first 10 years of her life, Melinda Whitney didn't get to see much of her father. As the owner of a diesel repair and towing business, he worked a lot of odd hours.

Now, however, they see each other daily on the Lemoore High School campus. Her father, Delbert Ray, teaches auto shop and Whitney teaches U.S. and world history.

The duo recently achieved an educational milestone together.

Both completed their master's degrees in education/administrative services. And they participated in the same graduation ceremony at Fresno Pacific University on May 3.

Whitney hopes to move up to a career in educational administration, helping plan a school district's curriculum and testing. Ray hopes to gain a position as an assistant principal -- which would utilize his management skills.

But for now, Whitney is enjoying getting to see her dad every day.

"Even from the time I was young I understood that family was more important than anything," Whitney said. "I know that I won't always have my dad, I may not even work with him for very much longer if we both go our separate directions, so I need to value the time that I do have."

But had it not been for Whitney, her father might not be there.

Ray, 53, had always wanted to finish his bachelor's degree. He had started attending College of the Sequoias as a young man, but left before completing a degree. When he watched his daughter get her bachelor's degree in 2000, he decided it was time for him to get moving.

"I was really inspired by her commitment and accomplishment," said Ray. "In that last year and a half she really buckled down and took a lot of units ... She helped me a great deal, she paved the way because she was the first college graduate in our family."

Ray returned to COS in his mid-40s, taking classes at night and working during the day. When he was done there, he decided to enroll in business classes at Fresno Pacific University, his daughter's alma mater. His daughter helped him get started there, even going with him to talk to an advisor.

He decided to enroll in the college's management and organizational development program, a 13-month program designed for adults who work full time. Throughout this time, he was managing his own smog inspection business.

He completed his bachelor's degree the year he turned 50.

"I realize now that it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be some 30-odd years ago," said Ray. "In reality, it's taking it a step at a time and putting all the puzzle pieces together."

With 20 years of auto repair skills under his belt, Ray decided he wanted to use those skills for something. So he decided to teach auto shop.

About a month after completing his bachelor's, he secured a job at El Diamante High School in Visalia. He taught there for one year, and was happy with the school, but was hoping for something closer.

When Lemoore's auto shop instructor retired in June 2006, Ray applied for the job and was hired for the position.

Now he and his daughter eat their lunches together and serve as each other's support system.

"I call him for advice and if something happens I always call him first, it's always nice to have someone to bounce ideas off of and you know that you can trust them. I mean how many co-workers can you trust like your own family member?" said Whitney.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2427.

(May 18, 2008)