MECHANIC FALLS – Twenty RSU 16 Adult Education students were honored at a cap and gown graduation ceremony on Friday, May 29, for meeting High School completion goals.
Approximately 125 friends and family gathered in the Elm Street School gymnasium as graduates marched single file to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by pianist, Lindsay Cook.
Former 2001 graduate and recent College Transition/Preparatory student, Araminta Mayberry, delivered the inspirational message. She shared her personal Adult Education story, from leaving school in the eighth grade to her current 3.89 GPA standing at Central Maine Community College, and she encouraged students to continue setting and pursuing new goals of their own.
Several graduates were recognized with specific awards Tutor, Terryl Jensen together with Patricia Demers awarded the RSU 16 Adult and Community Education Association scholarship to Gavin Chrostek. The 12th annual Central Maine Community College Courage to Grow scholarship was awarded to Keri Duhamel; Susan Lasselle and Katie Paiton presented awards to Donald Banker for Perseverance, Richard Barnard for Overcoming Obstacles, and Keegan Leighton for Transformation.
Before receiving their diplomas from Superintendent Tina Meserve, graduates personally thanked family, friends and educators who supported them in their educational journey by presenting them with a red rose.
In closing, Director, Jenny Rose, encouraged graduates to continue in their pursuit of lifelong learning by setting epic goals and using the qualities and talents they have all demonstrated. She ended with a quote from author and philosopher, Norman Vincent Peale. “Shoot for the moon, because even if you miss, you will land among the stars.”
The 2015 graduates are Ali M. Aden, Donald W. Banker, Richard B. Barnard, Scott T. Brady, Gavin Chrostek, Keri M. Duhamel, James C. Francis, Kachina L. Harps, Sarah E. Holbrook, Keegan D. Leighton, Derek F. Muncey, Timothy T. Myers, Paul L. Parker III, George H. Ross, Brook L. Sanborn, Ricky A. Strout, Felicia L. Thibault, Breahna R. Vance, two anonymous.
FMI: maineadulted.org.
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