Twenty-nine high school graduates tossed their tassels to a standing ovation Thursday night – the final act in the Oxford Hills Adult Education commencement exercises. Heartfelt applause and exclamations of support from family and friends erupted throughout the evening in the high school auditorium as a large crowd expressed its congratulations for the graduates.

“This is one of the proudest moments of my life,” declared Sharon Strout during her speech as one of four student speakers, “I’ve wanted to get my diploma for 38 years!” Each student speaker conveyed a story of dedication – that of their own, as well as that of family, friends, coworkers, and the Adult Education staff members.

Kevin Smith, who dropped-out of the program at one point, started over again with support he credits to a teacher and a guidance counselor.

Mary Pike, who spent nine years “off and on” getting her diploma, acknowledged co-workers who rearranged their work schedule so she could attend class.

“I want to thank everyone who helped me to reach my full potential,” said student speaker Elicia Brackett. Besides working full-time and raising a family, some students experienced self-doubt and had to make an extra effort when it came time to attend class. Despite the hardships, however, there were beaming faces, diplomas raised to the audience, and even a few tears. Proof that, as Cathy Newell, Executive Director of the Maine Adult Education Association, said in her Commencement Address, “The tassel is worth the hassle.”

“I feel good about actually accomplishing my goals,” said Danielle Cronin of South Paris. Danielle, a single mom, also recently graduated from the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program – one of several Adult Education vocational programs funded by the Oxford Hills Technical School. Danielle was 20 when 16-month-old Anthony was born and says that occasion compelled her toward the GED (General Educational Development) program.

“My son kept me going when it was tough,” says Danielle, “he needs a better life.” She admits it has been hard caring for Anthony without the help of his father, but Danielle’s parents and brothers, whom she lives with, watched Anthony for her while she attended class.

As for night school, Danielle enjoyed it and the “one-on-one” time she received from her instructors – something she hopes to incorporate in her new career.

“I love taking care of people one-on-one,” Danielle says, “and I’ve always wanted to be a nurse.” Her next goal is to find work as a CNA and to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Another graduate, Melinda “Mindy” Stewart of North Waterford, attended classes despite a tumultuous break-up from her husband and several household moves, including a stay at a women’s shelter. She, too, was motivated by her role as a mother.

“I need to make a better life for Tia,” says Mindy of her 19-month-old daughter, Tianna McNeil, who wasn’t yet born when Mindy began taking adult education classes in Lewiston. “A lot of people thought that I was going to live on the state forever,” notes Mindy, “but I wanted to prove them wrong.” One major obstacle Mindy had to overcome was a lack of transportation. Even more difficult was that her family lives some distance away.

“If it wasn’t for (my friend) Sam (Little), I wouldn’t be graduating,” exclaims Mindy, “he carted me back and forth to school, watched Tia while I was there, and forced me to go when I didn’t feel like it!” And the effort paid off. Mindy recently received an award and scholarship from Central Maine Technical College (CMTC) where she plans to enroll in the graphic arts program.

In addition to her family traveling so far to watch her receive her diploma, Mindy has many fond memories of her long-awaited graduation ceremony. And she summed it up nicely when she said, “It made me feel all warm and tingly inside!”