Pamela Cotant:

When her daughter started talking about not going to college, Maria Victoria Natera knew what she needed to do.
Natera, 40, said she realized not only did she need to earn her general education development credential, or GED, but also go on to college.
“That really bothered me,” Natera said. “I want more for my kids than I had … I need to set an example.”
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• School Scrapbook
Natera took the first step when she received the credential — an accomplishment that was acknowledged at the recent winter commencement ceremony held by Omega School. The event recognized the 32 students who earned either a GED or a high school equivalency diploma.
Omega School, 835 W. Badger Road, prepares students for taking the required tests for the two programs. Many students who come to Omega have tried a number of other ways to get a high school diploma. The age of the students at Omega varies and some are high school age but have not earned enough credits to graduate on time.
“Sometimes they have to try things and have them not work for them to have success here,” said Oscar Mireles, Omega executive director. “They have to believe we are in a position to help them.”