A dozen vehicles containing friends and family of Amanda Benson drove past her home to celebrate her graduation from South Central College. Benson was surprised by the tremendous show of support. She was moved to tears by the gesture. Staff photo by Clay Schuldt

SEARLES — Amanda Benson of Searles, a mom of five young children, is graduating from South Central College this month, with a degree in office administration with an emphasis on finance. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will only be a virtual graduation ceremony, but friends and family thought she should still have a celebration.

Thursday evening, a surprise graduation parade, led by Amanda’s father Tom Miller, drove past her home to honor her achievement. The entire event was a surprise for Benson. The family was able to keep it a secret and she was extremely moved by the gesture.

Miller said the family was planning the surprise parade for a week and it was a struggle to keep it a secret in a large family. But everyone knew how much this diploma meant to Benson, and they wanted to show support any way possible.