Three of a kind: Mother, daughters graduate together from JCTC in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Graduation season is full of proud moments — but one local family is taking that pride to a whole new level.

One mother and her two daughters are doing it together.

For Billie Marshall and her two daughters, Maggie and Mallery, this cap and gown moment is more than a ceremony, it's a celebration of grit, second chances and family.

"It's really shocked me that it all worked out together, that we all fell in the same, the same time," Billie said.

The Marshalls, all three of them, are graduating from Jefferson Career and Technical College. Billie is graduating with a degree in Arts and Science. Maggie is getting a degree in teaching, and Mallery in health care.

The Marshalls join 2,000 others and more than 500 in person at the graduating ceremony held at the Kentucky International Convention Center, marking a milestone as the graduates get ready for their next step.

"I went back to school later in life once they (her daughters) started college, and I had to step away for family issues for a semester or two and at the end, it just worked out we all finished together," Billie said.

Their journey is a growing trend — more students are turning to skilled trades as a faster, more affordable route to good-paying jobs.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, trade school programs typically take two years or less, and graduates often enter the workforce without the massive debt that comes with a traditional four-year degree.

JCTC said over the past two years, 87% of graduates had no college debt.

"We're glad to be able to fill this niche, put people to work right away who want to work and then help others go on for their bachelor's degree," Dr. Ty Handy, JCTC President, said.

For this trio, the tassel was worth the hassle, and the road they chose was paved with opportunity, not just tradition.

"I just think it's a big privilege to be able to celebrate this moment with all three of us together," Mallery said.

JCPS' $100 million in cuts includes eliminating transportation stipends

New Albany homeowners describe 'scary' early morning FBI raid

CRAWFORD | From scars to strength: Justin Thomas set to contend at PGA Championship