'Happy coincidence' as five members of one family graduate

 BEECHER, Ill. -- It was a special day for Lawanda Flennoy.

 

For 25 years, she worked full-time to raise her three daughters, so finally earning an associate degree this month was especially sweet.

But the best part is that her children are graduating from school too -- all at the same time.Her daughter Jade says this is a "happy coincidence," but Lawanda says "not so much for me -- it's expensive for me."

 

Amari just graduated cum laude from the University of Illinois at Chicago and is heading off to a job with Ford.

Paris just graduated from Chicago State and has a job with Apple.

Jade is graduating from high school and preparing to attend Illinois State.  And four-year-old granddaughter, Brooklyn, is about to graduate from pre-kindergarten.