DIXFIELD – Hard work and perseverance were honored recently when Pablo Fuentes officially earned his high school diploma in a special ceremony.

Having left school prior to graduation, Fuentes, a member of the class of 2005, returned to Dirigo High School to work on his diploma requirements. He also got involved with an educational partnership with Region 9’s Adult Education Program and an external credit project through his employer, R.E. Lowell Lumber Mill in Buckfield.

As a result, he recently earned his high school diploma. On June 13, Dan Hart, principal at Dirigo High School, teachers Art Chamberlin, Dianna Dority, Charlie Maddaus and Kurt Rowley, administrative assistant Pam Child and classmate Mallory Child all provided a high school diploma ceremony for Fuentes and his family in the high school student community center to honor his efforts.