TOPSHAM — Family and friends came to celebrated as Merrymeeting Adult Education honored 26 graduates on May 22.
Brunswick High School Superintendent Paul Perzanoski gave the introductory remarks. As part of the ceremony, Merrymeeting Adult Education recognized Patricia Brown, former Merrymeeting Adult Education student, for her academic achievements and welcomed her as the guest speaker.
Master of ceremonies and Director Diana McCain recognized Frannie Welch for her years of service to Merrymeeting Adult Education and congratulated her on her retirement this year.
Academic adviser Paul Elisha and Director Diana McCain presented diplomas.
Included in this year’s graduation class were Kelsea Bard, Rowan Blaiklock, Heaven Brillant, Mary Burright, Wilfredo Cieza, Matthew Colby, Destiny Faltemier, Azhley Frazier, Darren Gallagher, Damian Grubb, Rianna Holbrook, Avery Horne, Brinley Johnson, Luke Korineck, Taylor Lomas, Nikki Macias, Russell Marr, Kylee McLarey, Brianna Newton, Megan Pinette, Christianna Rhoades, Dylan Schinhofen, Lilia Simmons, Austin Thomas, Edwin Tynes and Sharree Zottoli.
Six students were inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society. To be eligible, a student must be nominated by a teacher and demonstrate excellent attendance, positive attitude, helpful to others and outstanding work ethic. The students stood out as models to others because of their passion for education and learning. Merrymeeting Adult Education administration accepted the candidates unanimously for this induction, including Burright, Johnson, McLarey, Frazier, Rizza Lazaro and Tynes.
Teachers Kathy Ingmundson and Robert Deady Shulz presented students with their awards.
Merrymeeting Adult Education credits the work of the many dedicater literacy volunteers who provide one-on-one tutoring to numerous students each year. Among those volunteers this year were Anne Funderburk, Cyrus Kendrick, Gail Kendrick, William Mitchell, Vida Mitchell, James Searles and Daniel Strauss.
Two student speakers gave inspiring and heartwarming accounts of their journeys, Frazier and Burright told of the challenges that they encountered on thei educational pathways and conveyed a message of hope and encouragement for others.
For more information, call Merrymeeting Adult Education at 207-729-7323.
PHOTO: Some of those who graduated from Merrymeeting Adult Education were, from left, Dylan Schinhofen, Kylee McLarey, Austin Thomas, Megan Pinette, Nikki Macias, Destiny Faltemier, Lilia Simmons, Azhley Frazier, Heaven Brillant, Edwin Tynes, Sharee Zottoli, Mary Burright and Brinley Johnson. (David Ingmundson photo)
