Elyria Mom and Daughter to Graduate Together From Lorain County Community College

ELYRIA, OH — On May 17, Megan Cutright and Layla Carter of Elyria will walk across the same stage, earning degrees from Lorain County Community College in a shared milestone that highlights their unbreakable bond. Megan, 38, will graduate with an associate of applied science in radiologic technology, while her daughter Layla, 17, will receive both her high school diploma from Elyria High School and an associate of arts degree through the college’s Early College High School program.

“I was 19 years old when I had her,” Megan said. “I was still growing up and pretty much raised her by myself. So, we’ve always been a team, we’ve always stuck together.”

For Megan, returning to school after nearly two decades was driven by necessity and a desire to inspire her daughter. After working in hospitality since graduating from the Lorain County JVS, she was laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. Upon returning to the workforce, part-time work was not enough to sustain her household.

“It wasn’t paying the bills, and it just got really frustrating,” she said.

During this time, Layla had enrolled in LCCC’s Early College High School program, which allows students to begin a college track as early as ninth grade, with the goal of earning both a high school diploma and associate degree tuition free. Layla urged her mother to pursue higher education as well.

“She kept saying, ‘Mom, you should really look into going back.’ So I did,” Megan said.

Determined to avoid debt, Megan joined the Students Accelerating in Learning (SAIL) program, which supports students both financially and academically to complete their degrees within three years. With guidance from her assigned advisor, Whitney Houghland, Megan entered the radiologic technology program, completed her prerequisites in three semesters, and began clinical rotations.

In May 2024, Megan secured a paid internship in the radiology department at University Hospitals Elyria, where she still works as an assistant. That internship has turned into a full-time job offer pending her licensure exam.

“I will graduate on the 17th, take the exam on the 21st and then, after that, I have a job full time waiting for me in June,” Megan said.

While Megan pursued her career, Layla excelled in the rigorous Early College program and has set her sights on nursing, with plans to attend Bowling Green State University.

“She’s going to be the first in my family to go to a four-year university,” Megan said. “I’m just so proud of her. She’s smart and kind and beautiful. The world is at her fingertips.”

Despite the academic demands both women faced, they supported one another through every challenge.

“I think her watching me go through school and doing my homework has helped her through some of her classes,” Megan said. “I’ve always told her that no matter what happens, as long as we have each other, that’s all that matters.”

Another remarkable graduate joining the ceremony is Kathy Leopold of Avon Lake, who will receive her associate of arts degree from Lorain County Community College just one day before turning 80. A retired teacher and lifelong learner, Leopold already holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree and continues to take classes to stay mentally active. Her inspiring journey includes international travel, humanitarian work, and authorship of a children’s book now used by Lorain County Children Services. Cleveland 13 shares her story here.

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