The 2007 Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult and Community Education graduates are pictured: front from the left, Melanie Cates, Michael McCormick, Randy Miller, Heather Foster Bachelder, Tracy Bickford, Robert Buck, Eva Quinn, Casey Quinn, Samantha Hinson, Taylor Blouin and Sherry Ritchie; back, James Beliveau, Michael Ogden, Dustin Shorey, Corey Goodell, Justin Fortin, Emily Albert, Jeremy Greenan, Brian Bouthot, Amber Silvermane, Kayla Bruce, Kimberly Childs, Clarence Gosselin Jr., Jesse Kemp and Betina Ethridge.

Graduates, families celebrate successes

POLAND – Forty-one adults and young adults from Mechanic Falls, Poland and Minot received high school diplomas on May 11 in the Poland Community School gym.

Approximately 200 people celebrated the successes of students in Bakerstown Alternative High School Program and Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult Education Program.

Using analogies to art, Superintendent Nina Schlikin delivered an inspirational message on the lessons of life. Kim Moody, chair of School Union 29 and David Griffiths, vice chair of the Mechanic Falls School Committee, awarded diplomas.

The gym was decorated in red and white. Graduates, in blue gowns, presented flowers to the relatives, friends and educators who had supported them in their educational journey.

Nancy E. Watson, director, thanked the program staff for their dedication to the students and she congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and accomplishments.

Students who received awards for outstanding performance were Sherry Ritchie of Minot, Courage to Grow; Clarence Gosselin Jr. of Mechanic Falls, Citizenship; Kimberly Childs of Poland, Perseverance; and Melanie Cates of Mechanic Falls, Dedication to Learning.

Pamela Lavoie of Poland and Eva Quinn of Mechanic Falls were awarded scholarships by the Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult Education Association of Students and Teachers. Lavoie plans to become a certified activities director and Quinn is enrolled at Central Maine Community College.

Superintendent Nina Schlikin was recognized for her inclusive vision of education.

The graduates’ plans include social work, teaching, the military, cosmetology, business management, activities coordinator, graphic design and medical assistance.

The evening concluded with refreshments.

The 2007 graduates are: Emily E. Albert, Justin R. Fortin, Clyde E. Noyes IV, James A. Beliveau, Heather E. Foster, Michael S. Ogden, Tracy J. Bickford, Taylor M. Blouin, Corey M. Goodell, Clarence W. Gosselin Jr., Anthony G. Pleau, Casey C. Quinn, Bryan R. Bouthot, Daniel D. Brooke, Jeremy B. Greenan.

Also, Samantha R. Hinson, Eva J. Quinn, Sherry L. Ritchie, Kayla J. Bruce, Samuel J. Johnson, Amanda J. Rivard, Chad N. Bryant, Jesse A. Kemp, Dustin I. Shorey, Robert J. Buck, Pamela J. Lavoie, Frederick W. Sibley, Melanie L. Cates, Kimberly A. Childs, Christopher S. Edwards.

Also, Betina A. Ethridge, Sean W. Malone, Michael G. McCormick, Anthony J. Mecham, Randy L. Miller, Chad S. Morrissette, Adam M. Nason, Amber L. Silvermane, Bethany B. A. Stotts, Kristen D. Sullivan, Sarah R. Wilson.