Amarillo College to Celebrate GED Graduates May 8
Amarillo College will honor the achievements of its GED graduates during a commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. Friday, May 8 in the Student Life and Conference Center on the Washington Street campus. More than 40 students are expected to walk the stage, marking a major milestone in their educational journeys.
The ceremony celebrates not only academic accomplishment but also the determination and resilience of adult learners who have chosen to return to education and pursue new opportunities.
Among this year’s graduates is Shamla Muhammed Siraj, whose journey reflects both courage and perseverance. Originally from Sri Lanka, Siraj entered the program unsure of how her previous education would translate in the United States and hesitant about starting over.
“I was scared to step in at first,” Siraj said. “I didn’t know if I would qualify here, so I felt like I had to start all over again. But once I got into the program, I found so much support. They made me feel like I could do it.”
That support helped transform her confidence and outlook. Siraj recalls celebrating her progress along the way and now looks ahead to the next chapter—pursuing a career in healthcare through a nursing program.
“I would say to anybody—just step in,” she said. “You’ll figure things out.”
For Siraj, the upcoming ceremony holds special meaning. It will be her first formal graduation experience.
“This is going to be my first graduation,” she said. “We don’t have ceremonies like this where I’m from unless it’s at a university, so this is really special for me.”
Alyssa McElroy, Amarillo College’s Adult Learner Integration specialist, said Siraj’s journey stands out as a powerful example of persistence and growth.
“Shamla’s determination and strong desire to succeed stood out through other time in the program,” McElroy said. “Rather than becoming discouraged by challenges, she leaned in, asked questions, and kept working until she truly understood the material. Watching her confidence grow and seeing her take pride in her progress was incredibly meaningful—not just for her, but for those around her.”
McElroy added that Siraj’s success highlights the broader impact of second-chance education.
“Her journey shows that potential doesn’t disappear just because someone’s path looks different or takes longer,” she said. “Programs like this provide the support and opportunity students need to rebuild confidence, gain skills, and pursue goals that once felt out of reach.”
The GED graduation ceremony is open to friends, family, and supporters who wish to celebrate the accomplishments of these students as they take the next step toward brighter futures. The next cohort of English as Second Language and GED courses at Amarillo College begins May 26.