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Putting 'U' in Community Education: Shane & Autumn's Story

Community Education provides lifelong learning for all. That’s why we’re sharing stories of the different ways people interact with Community Ed. We want YOU to see how Community Education is having an impact on your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. 

father and daughter with diplomas(6/13/23) Almost 30 years after Shane Ritter would have graduated with the class of 1994, he is getting his GED through Metro North Adult Basic Education (ABE). And the best part of the deal, he’s doing it with his daughter. 

24-year old Autumn Ritter also dropped out of school. Motivated by her father’s desire to get a diploma, Autumn decided to pursue her GED too.

“I pushed and got done with all the tests in one night to make sure that I could graduate in the same class as him,” said Autumn.

The pair walked together at the June 8, 2023, Metro North ABE graduation ceremony held at the Blaine Learning Lab, along with nine other adult graduates.

In our latest Putting ‘U’ in Community Education video, we share Shane and Autumn’s story and their hope that others in similar situations will take advantage of the opportunity to earn a diploma.