Central Maine Technical College graduates 270
AUBURN – Central Maine Technical College held its 39th annual commencement Friday, the school’s last before it becomes a community college.
It was marked by one of the largest graduating classes in the school’s history.
“By sitting here today, you’ve shown that you aren’t afraid to risk the routine for what’s unknown,” Cole E. Pendleton told his classmates as his voice broke with emotion during the ceremony. “We have begun the journey to lifelong journey.”
Two hundred and seventy students received diplomas.
During the hour-and-a-half ceremony Friday, college officials praised the graduates for their efforts and determination. The keynote speaker, Maine Senate President Beverly Daggett, offered the new grads three wishes: time, the drive to start something new and the will to consider the possibilities.
“May you see your own continuing possibilities and may your achievements today help you reach out and make those possibilities a reality,” she said.
It was a graduation worth all the years of hard work, students said.
“We finally made it!” exclaimed Teresa Hodgkiss, 36, as she gathered for hugs with her fellow graduates from the accounting program.
The seven classmates had each been in the program for two to four years and had gotten to know each other over study sessions and after-school gatherings at Margaritas. Now, they planned to go their separate ways – some to a university for a four-year degree, others to work.
“Time to get a real job,” Hodgkiss said.
For Tina G. Bailey of Lewiston, graduation ended with hugs from her family.
A middle school dropout, Bailey went back to school to earn a high school diploma, then to CMTC’s general studies program.
On Friday, she clutched a bouquet of pale yellow roses and a handful of cards from her children as she spoke about her plans to attend Lewiston-Auburn College and become a social worker.
“It’s a big step toward the future,” Bailey said of her graduation from CMTC. “One of many I hope to take.”
ltice@sunjournal.com
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