Kim Dugan of Evans City holds her horses outside her barn. She will earn her GED Wednesday, something she wanted to do, said Dugan, for the sake of her family and her job of working with people with intellectual disabilities.

One test score made all the difference in Kim Dugan's life.

“I cried because I was so happy, I couldn't believe I did it. I did not believe after all these years I was able to do it,” said Dugan of Evans City about passing her high school equivalency exams. “I can finally say that I have it.”

Dugan is one of 60 students from Butler and Mercer counties who will graduate Wednesday at Succop Theater from the Butler County Community College's free adult literacy program with high school equivalency diplomas.

At 55, earning her GED is something she wanted to do, said Dugan, who works with people who have intellectual disabilities.

Dugan, who has three children, had been out of school since 1981.

Her 4-year-old granddaughter. Grace, who is a triplet, is immobile and requires 24-hour care.

Dugan shares her passion of horses with Grace when she takes her on horse rides with her pony Paul.

“She is immobile, but does like to ride Paul,” she said adding the pair also takes walks and read together. “I often thought about going to nursing school just so I could help take care of her.”

Grace became Dugan's primary inspiration to earn her high school equivalency diploma.

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WHAT: Butler County Community College's high school equivalency graduation ceremonyWHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WednesdayWHERE: Butler County Community College's Succop Theater, 107 College Drive