91-YEAR-OLD GEORGIA WOMAN EARNS GED AFTER NEARLY THREE YEARS OF CLASSES, BECOMING STATE’S OLDEST RECIPIENT IN A DECADE. (PHOTO).

 91-year-old Georgia woman earns GED after nearly three years of classes, becoming state’s oldest recipient in a decade

Helen Woodyard had carried a simple goal with her for years: earning her GED. After watching all four of her children receive their diplomas, she wanted to accomplish the same thing herself. On her 88th birthday, she decided it was time to return to school, beginning a journey that would take nearly three years to complete.

At age 91, Woodyard walked across the stage at West Georgia Technical College and received her GED, making her the oldest person in Georgia to earn the credential during the past decade.

More than 30 members of her family attended the graduation ceremony to celebrate the milestone. Woodyard said her family was proud and happy to see her accomplish something she had wanted for so long.

Her educational journey began in 2024 when she enrolled in adult education classes at the college. Over nearly two years, she completed 958.75 hours of coursework.

Math proved to be one of her biggest challenges, while learning to use a computer presented another obstacle because she had never used one before. Despite the difficulties, Woodyard continued attending classes and working toward her goal.

For Woodyard, earning her GED was about accomplishing something for herself after spending much of her life helping others.

She said there came a point when she realized that while she was helping everyone else, she also needed to do something for herself.

Her determination impressed Rebecca Wheeler, dean of Adult Education at West Georgia Technical College, who described Woodyard as an exceptional student and an example of what people can accomplish despite the challenges they face.

Wheeler said Woodyard also demonstrates why education should remain available to people throughout their lives.

“Education doesn't have an expiration date,” Wheeler said, emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and the ability to pursue education at any age.

West Georgia Technical College's Adult Education program is part of Georgia's statewide technical college system, which provides free services to eligible adults. Programs help students earn high school equivalency credentials, improve literacy and English-language skills and prepare for further education or careers.

The college serves communities throughout West Georgia and offers programs for people entering education for the first time, changing careers, developing new skills or returning to school after years away.

For Woodyard, however, earning her GED was never about finding a new job. She said she returned to school simply because it was something she wanted to accomplish.

Now that she has reached that goal, Woodyard is looking ahead without any particular career plans. She knows, however, that her age never stopped her from pursuing something she wanted.

She refused to let being 91 years old stand in the way of earning her GED.

Now she has the diploma to prove that determination can pay off at any age.