Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult and Community Education 2008 graduates are pictured. In front from left, Casandra Walker, Courtney Richardson, Kaitlyn Black, Amanda Marston, Karen Latlippe, Joshua Verrill, Stephanie Crowley, Peggy Giles, Katelyn Teague, Shawntel Audet-Delgatto, Brittney Merchant, Christine Edwards, Bobbie Miles, Amanda Meserve, Michelle Roberts, Michael Trask Sr. and Angela Berry; back, Marc Clukey, Tory Hutchinson, Willem Carter, Michael Debrosky, Marc Sinclair, Adam Shaheen, Sean Thompson, Adam Kobel, Karen D’Agostino, Jamie Perry, Jeremy Nay, David Hirsh, Robert Merrill, Joshua Ackerman, Matthew McLeod, Keith Bisbee and Elisabeth Hayes.

Adult ed, alternative programs graduate local students

POLAND – Sixty-nine adults and young adults from Mechanic Falls, Poland and Minot were awarded high school diplomas on May 9 in the Poland Community School gym.

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

Superintendent Dennis Duquette delivered an inspirational message and congratulated the graduates. Mary Ella Jones of the Poland School Committee and David Griffiths of the Mechanic Falls School Committee awarded diplomas.

Each graduate thanked those who had helped and inspired him or her. Amid red, white and blue balloons and flowers, graduates in blue gowns presented flowers to the relatives, friends and educators who had supported them in their educational journeys.

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

Students were presented awards for outstanding performance as follows: Jeanne Bolduc of Mechanic Falls, Excellent Attendance; Shawntel Audet-Delgatto of Minot, Courage to Grow; Willem Carter of Poland, Good Citizenship; Peggy Giles of Mechanic Falls, Transformation.

Also, Michael Trask Sr. of Mechanic Falls, Diligence; Jeremy Nay of Mechanic Falls, Determination; Stephanie Crowley of Mechanic Falls, Overcoming Obstacles. Donna Kontos Paradis was honored posthumously for her service as a volunteer.

College-bound Bobbie Miles of Mechanic Falls, Michelle Roberts of Mechanic Falls and Elisabeth Hayes of Poland were awarded scholarships by the Mechanic Falls-Poland Adult Education Association of Students and Teachers.

Of the sixty-nine graduates, 41 are pursuing college or vocational studies while 22 graduates are entering the military. The 2008 graduates’ plans include teaching, the military, cosmetology, business skills, business management, medical coding, career planning, truck driving, automotive repair, burner technology, pharmacist assistant, para legal and criminal justice.

The evening concluded with refreshments.

The 2008 graduates are: Joshua A. Ackerman, Shawntel Audet-Delgatto, Alex A. Baroudi, Sean M. Barnaby, Angela L. Berry, Daniel P. Berry, Rebecca R. Berry, Keith L. Bisbee, Kaitlyn W. Black, Shaun P. Briggs, Paul H. Campbell, Willem S. Carter, Marc A. Clukey.

Also, Heather L. Cook, Stephanie L. Crowley, Karen M. D’Agostino, Luke A. Dansereau, Michael P. Debrosky, Jacob G. Dostie, Christine L. Edwards, Jason S. Field, Dillon P. Fitzpatrick, Britney S. Gagnon, Peggy S. Giles, Nathanial K. Greenleaf, Brian R. Groves, Elisabeth A. Hayes.

Also, David A. Hirsh, Jared M. Holmquist, Tory A. Hutchinson, Tristan K. Johnson, Nicholas M. Kelly, Adam M. P. Kobel, Ryan R. LaFlamme, Brett C. Larlee, Karen E. Latlippe, Derick W. Markavich, Amanda M. Marston, Joshua B. McLaughlin, Kailey M. McLaughlin.

Also, Matthew E. McLeod, Brittney L. Merchant, Robert M. Merrill, Amanda R. Meserve, Andrew P. Michaud, Dale W. Michaud, Bobbi L. Miles, Elizabeth L. Mills, Jeremy A. Nay, Peter P. Pearson, Anonymous, Scott P. Pellegrini, Benjamin P. Perkins, Jamie A. Perry.

Also, Dustin E. Pride, Courtney S. Richardson, Michelle L. Roberts, Adam N. Shaheen, Marc S. Sinclair, Glenn D. Stadig, Savannah L. Stockman, Brittany W. Stotts, Katelyn S. Teague, Sean M. Thompson, Michael J. Trask Sr., Joshua R. Verrill, Casandra L. Walker, Colin S. Wescott, Dana A. White.