BUTLER TWP — Whatever the circumstance that prevented several recent GED recipients from receiving their high school diplomas, it no longer mattered as they turned their tassels, each receiving a certificate and a white rose at GED graduation commencement Wednesday night.

Pride, confidence, maybe even pomp, reigned at the Butler County Community College Succop Theater. Students of all ages worked months, even years, to complete their high school equivalency.

“I’m the grandfather of the group. I’ve wanted this since Vietnam,” said William Vito Barone, 60, of Butler.

He had left school after his freshman year of high school to serve in the Air Force.

Besides the self gratification of the GED itself, Barone aspires to help other veterans, particularly helping those with drug and alcohol abuse problems.

“I’d like to work at the VA someday,” he said.

Meanwhile, Victoria Weber, 31, of Evans City and Nicole Scherer, 26, of Chicora hope receiving their GED certificates make their children proud.

“For me, it shows my kids I am able to accomplish things,” said Weber, who has a daughter, Morgan, 7, and a son, Dakota, 8.

In addition to her children, her best friends, her boyfriend and her boyfriend’s mother were all there to celebrate her big day. Weber hopes to continue her education at nursing school.

Scherer’s three children, Matthew, 7, Navaeh, 23 months, and Harpor, 11 months, were her biggest motivation for getting her GED. She’s been working at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh since April at the spinal cord rehabilitation unit.

“After three kids, it’s quite an accomplishment,” said Janice Paugh, Scherer’s mother.

In addition to her mom and children, Scherer’s husband, Justin, and her grandmother were there to watch her walk for graduation.

There were 64 students who completed their GED requirements through the BC3 Adult Literacy program this year. Graduates from Summit Academy in Herman were also represented at the ceremony.

“I think it’s important to celebrate the successes,” said Barb Gade, grant director at the literacy program. “And it’s fun.”

The literacy program offers free GED prep, math, reading and writing skills, funded through state and federal grants. To learn more about the BC3 Adult Literacy programs, call 724 287-8711, Ext. 8350.