Cruise seen as sign of hope for comeback for struggling Pontiac

Jennifer Acree and Paula Barrett both love classic cars and often visit the Dream Cruise to check out the retro rides. The duo said they hope more cruisers means a comeback for cash-strapped Pontiac — and they were doing their part to make that happen.

Acree and Barrett both teach at Skills Center of Pontiac, and were stationed at the corner of Woodward and Auburn offering free water, popcorn and, most importantly, a free education.

The Skills Center enrolls students ages 15-19 and offers an alternative education that’s geared to the individual student.

“We give them a chance when they haven’t succeeded elsewhere,” Acree said.

But besides offering teenagers a second chance, the pair said they enjoyed looking at cars throughout the day.

“I like it for what it means to the community,” Barrett said. “We put the world on wheels; here they are.”