Pictured left to right are LCC graduates Chelsea Corey, Bryson Corey, April Casey, and Madison Casey

Graduating from Lenoir Community College was definitely a family affair when April Casey of Kinston, her two daughters, and her nephew walked across the stage for the High School Equivalency Certificate during the Transitional and Career Studies Graduation Wednesday in the Briley Auditorium.

Chris Jenkins, Founder and Executive Pastor of Hope Restorations and graduate Tamrya Cobb were guest speakers and shared their personal stories of challenges and achievement.

While more than 50 students graced the stage, four graduates made it all about family.

Thirty-eight-year-old April Casey, her daughters, Chelsea Corey, 19, and Madison Casey, 16, and her nephew, Bryson Corey, 18, decided to come back to school to get their GED together.

“So, we set a plan and we did it at the time my 19-year-old, Chelsea, was due to have my first grandbaby on April 16 so we wanted to be done by that time,” she said. “With that being said we actually achieved that goal with my last test scheduled for April 19.”

After passing the test, she joined her daughters and nephew in completing her requirements in time for graduation.

“All four of us proudly walked across that stage and to think all of us completed everything we needed to pass within a month and a half,” she said.

The road to coming back to school was not an easy one. Prior to coming to LCC, the family was involved in a serious accident in 2017.  “Madison saved our lives. I rolled our vehicle seven times before it stopped. Madison kicked the back glass out and ran to get help,” April said. “She’s the reason we are here.”

Madison and Chelsea started talking about coming back when Chelsea was eight months pregnant. “The hardest part to coming back was that I was so big,” Chelsea said. “I had cravings and had contractions during class. Everyone was so patient and understanding,” she recalled.

“For me, it was transitioning to a new school,” Madison said. “But everyone made me feel at home.

April said the hardest part for her was getting started. “I failed my first test and thought I can’t do this, but between my teachers and kids encouraging me, I knew I couldn’t stop,” she said. “I carried a necklace that my daughters gave me and a picture of Chelsea’s ultrasound to every test. That motivated me.”

Chelsea brought April’s first grandchild in the world at 39 weeks. Phoenix Raine Tuller was in the audience when his mom received her certificate.

Graduation is not the end for the family. Because of the encouragement they each received from their instructors, they plan to start a new chapter and enroll in classes at LCC.

“It’s such a family atmosphere here,” April said. “I’ve become close to my instructors, and I appreciate everything that was done to get us to this night.”

April plans to study Culinary or Juvenile Justice. Bryson plans to join his aunt and take culinary classes as well. Chelsea is considering the Cosmetology Program and Madison is starting her Nurse Aide I class May 25 with plans of becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant.

And well, three-week old Phoenix has lots of time to think about what he wants to do. With his family surrounding him, his future will be bright, and he too will be walking across a stage for graduation.