Efren King always knew he wanted to work with computers.Growing up without a formal education, he spent countless hours teaching himself programming and taking computers apart and putting them back together. When he decided to pursue a college degree in computer science, he discovered he first needed to earn a GED.

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. 

For adults who feel it may be too late to return to school, Jerrad Lorlovick’s journey proves that a second chance can change everything.At 35, with a family to support and a lifelong dream of becoming a meteorologist, Lorlovick found himself stuck after being scammed out of $400 by a fake online diploma program.