I read with pride the “Looking Back” piece (Sept. 30) recalling the first night of Lewiston Adult Education classes during the fall semester of 1959. I say, “with pride,” both as a lifelong resident of the L-A area, and as one who has the privilege of working with the dedicated faculty and extraordinarily hard-working learners at Lewiston Adult Education every day.

The piece called attention to the 173 adult students who registered for night classes back in September of 1959. To illustrate the growth of the Lewiston Adult Education program (which was, in fact, founded in 1889 — 120 years ago) through the past 50 years, the following are some figures from the current semester:

This fall, more than 1,200 students are taking more than 135 classes, which meet in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, at five different permanent program locations. These individuals are working on earning GEDs and high school diplomas, preparing for college, learning new trades, gaining new computer skills, and enjoying themselves as they discover new hobbies, meet new people and get to know their community a little better.

During the past 120 years, members of the Lewiston community have taken advantage of the opportunities available at Lewiston Adult Education to make better lives for themselves and their children. Thanks to the support and dedication of community partners, advocates, instructors and, most of all, the adult learners, these programs have continued to grow, change and adapt to meet the needs of each new generation in Lewiston.

Jessica Bradley Crabtree, Lewiston

Community Education Coordinator, Lewiston Adult Education