Mother and Two Daughters Graduate Together from Garden City Community College
[Garden City, KS] May 13, 2026 -- Garden City Community College’s May 8 commencement ceremony was more than a celebration of individual achievement for one family from Scott City, Kansas — it honored a shared journey built on determination, perseverance, encouragement, and family support.
Amanda Amerine and her two daughters, Hailee Gomes and Jaidyn Amerine, graduated together from GCCC, marking a milestone the family never imagined they would experience side by side. “It was truly an honor and a privilege to graduate together as a family,” Amanda said. “Sharing such a meaningful milestone made the accomplishment even more special.”
Amanda and Hailee both completed Associate in Applied Science degrees in Registered Nursing (ADN), while Jaidyn completed an Associate in Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences from GCCC.
The family said graduating together was never part of the original plan. Amanda, who has worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse since 2015, decided to return to school to provide more comprehensive patient care within her scope of practice and prepare for evolving regulations and growing demands for RNs in long-term care settings. “When I asked Hailee if I could join her on her RN journey, she said yes, and everything aligned from there,” Amanda said.
Throughout their time at GCCC, the trio supported one another by studying together, reminding each other about assignments and exams, and encouraging one another through difficult moments. Amanda and Hailee completed simulation labs together while also helping Jaidyn navigate online coursework. “We truly carried each other through,” Amanda said.
The family shared countless memories throughout their college experience, from late-night study sessions and pep talks to moments of laughter that helped ease the stress of college coursework. “One of the funniest moments was when I got overly invested in performing CPR on the manikin, and everyone couldn’t stop laughing,” Amanda said. “Those little moments kept us going.”
While balancing coursework, clinicals, and personal responsibilities was challenging, the family faced an even greater emotional hardship after losing Amanda’s mother-in-law and the girls’ grandmother, Darla Amerine, the day after Christmas. “She was the rock of our family and our biggest cheerleader,” Amanda said. “Going back to school after that loss was incredibly difficult for all three of us.”
Amanda said her passion for nursing began at age 17 after witnessing her great-grandmother pass away from leukemia. Inspired by those experiences and a desire to care for others more fully, she decided to pursue her RN degree. “I wanted to grow, help more people, and continue serving with compassion,” Amanda said. “That’s what brought me back to school.”
Hailee said she was inspired to pursue nursing because she grew up around healthcare and developed a compassionate heart for helping others. This is the second associate degree she has completed after graduating from Scott Community High School three years ago. Hailee plans to work at Citizens Medical Center while continuing at Park Lane Nursing Home to gain both hospital and long-term care experience.
Jaidyn completed her associate degree just one year after graduating from Scott Community High School, thanks to taking many GCCC dual-credit courses during high school. She plans to continue her education at Fort Hays State University to pursue nursing, following in the footsteps of her mother and sister.
Amanda will begin pursuing a role as an RN and, after passing the NCLEX, hopes to join the OB department at St. Catherine Hospital while continuing her nearly 16 years of service at Park Lane Nursing Home in Scott City.
The family credited GCCC instructors and classmates for helping shape their success and supporting them throughout their educational journey. “Our instructors were incredible,” Amanda said. “They pushed us, supported us, and believed in us every step of the way. GCCC taught us resilience, teamwork, and the importance of never giving up on our dreams, no matter our age or the challenges life brings.”
Their story serves as a powerful reminder that education can bring families together and that determination, support, and perseverance can create life-changing opportunities for future generations.
Garden City Community College is proud to have been part of this family’s exceptional educational journey. From here, you can go anywhere.
From left, Jaidyn Amerine, Hailee Gomes, and Amanda Amerine pose in their graduation regalia after graduating together from Garden City Community College on May 8, 2026.
Photo courtesty of Amanda Amerine.
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Garden City Community College exists to produce positive contributors to the economic and social well-being of society.
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