The feel of the diploma against their fingers is a sensation that will linger on the minds of graduates for years to come.

For the Hood family, the significance of the event is two-fold.

Sharon and Lyndsey Hood, mother and daughter, both will strut the graduation walk this weekend.

Sharon Hood, the Language Arts Instructional Coach at Oak Hill Middle School, will receive her masters of education degree in Library Media on Friday.

Daughter Lyndsey, who works at Harrold’s Tuxedo’s in downtown Milledgeville, will receive her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice on Saturday.

The Milledgeville residents have enjoyed their experiences at Georgia College and hope Ethan Hood, the younger son and brother, will be next in line to participate in the graduation march. The younger Hood is a Georgia College junior majoring in outdoor education.

“Getting college degrees and a sound education has always been a priority for me and my family,” Sharon Hood said. “It makes it extra special to graduate with my daughter. It’s just a shame that we couldn’t get a family discount. Maybe buy two, get one free.”

Sharon and Lyndsey Hood also share the instruction of the same professor.

During their college careers, both Hoods took a psychology class taught by Greg Jarvie.

“The whole process has been quite nice,” Lyndsey Hood said. “I’m proud of my mom and am glad that we’re both done with school.”

Sharon Hood believes everyone should become life-long learners.

“Georgia College has helped my family gain that knowledge,” she said, “and instilled my belief in my children.”