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TURNER — One lived with cystic fibrosis and was granted a new lease on life with a lung transplant, another lived in a refugee camp since she was four years old and entered the program not knowing how to read or write and a third went back to school after dropping out of high school and having a child. Those were just some of the stories of the 27 students whose accomplishments were celebrated when School Administrative District 52 Adult Education program held its graduation on Friday, June 2.
Graduate Pam Sirois, the keynote speaker, spoke about her life and the great love she received from her family and friends while living with cystic fibrosis. She was granted a new lease on life when she received her new lungs last year, and encouraged the graduates to go outside at some point during the evening to just breathe. “Take a moment and look up at the stars and realize that anything is possible,” she said. Her speech reflected overcoming adversity no matter the circumstances and to continue to look forward.
Graduate Fatuma Aden spoke to those gathered about living in a refugee camp since she was 4 years old, coming to the United States in 2006 and her five years in the Adult Education program. She said that when she first registered, all her assessments were in picture form, but she can now read, write and speak English. The program, she said, has become her family and her people.
Patricia Cottle congratulated her fellow graduates and spoke to the crowd about how she dropped out of high school, married and got a job, but that “it is never too late” to finally earn your degree. Her next goal is to join the College Transitions class at MSAD 52 Adult Education and prepare for college entrance exams.
A number of awards were handed out throughout the evening including the Central Maine Community College Courage to Grow award to Emily Twitchell, which includes a free college course, and two who were recognized for top performing Hiset scores, Baxter Tradif and Zechariah Bowmaster. Students inducted into the Adult Education National Honor Society were Aden, Kali Beaulieu, Abigail Ember, Rebecca Levesque, Kiin Hassan Salah, Gabriel Smith, Tardif, Twitchell, Lindon Wells and Samuel Williams.
Superintendent Kimberly Brandt addressed the graduates and congratulated them in four languages, reflecting the diversity of the class, before degrees were conferred. Razell Ward, director of adult dducation, welcomed the students and congratulated them on their important milestone.
Commissioner of Education Robert Hasson Jr. encouraged the graduates to remain persistent and outlined some of the next steps graduates have planned as they complete their education and move towards new goals.
