POLAND — Approximately one hundred people gathered at Poland Community School gym on May 6 to mark the graduation of 41 students from the Mechanic Falls-Minot-Poland Adult Education program. The graduates marched to Pomp and Circumstance played by Han Libby, pianist. Superintendent of Schools, Dennis J. Duquette congratulated the graduates on their courage to return to school and to rise above obstacles.

Several people were recognized with awards for outstanding performance: Philip Picard, Perseverance Award; Brittney Robichaud, Transformation Award; Maryssa Leavitt, Overcoming Obstacles Award; Patricia J. Demers, Outstanding Service and Dedication to Adult Education; and Norm Davis, Community Service as a long-time school committee member.

The Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland Adult Education Association awarded the Patricia J. Demers Scholarship to Courtney Sawyer. Walter Ridlon, director of career pathways, Central Maine Community College, awarded a Courage to Grow scholarship to Shannon Brienza.

Graduates in dark blue caps and gowns presented red carnations to the relatives, friends and educators who had supported them in their educational journeys. Nancy E. Watson, director, thanked the adult education staff for their dedication to students and Watson congratulated the graduates on their perseverance and accomplishments.

2011 graduates’ plans include the military, cosmetology, early childhood development, fire fighting, certified nursing, diesel mechanics, culinary arts and CDL license.

The 2011 graduates are Joseph Balla, Brandon Bari, Shannon Brienza, Dustin Brown, Leo Buck, Joshua Christie, Michael Cunneen, Shaun Dorrington, Cayden Fowles, Kourtney Francoeur, Nicholos Gagne, Rebecca Gauthier, Aaron Gay, Annette Harriman, Paul Hersom, Maryssa Leavitt, Kaitlyn Lee, Zachary Leighton, Ashley Levesque, Devynn Maurais, Kaitlyn McLean, Tyler Morin, Adam Nile, Stephen Nirza, Jason Perkins, Amy Phillips, Philip Picard, Cody Pulsifer, Kevin Real, Chelsea Roberts, Brittney Robichaud, Dallas Sanders, Courtney Sawyer, Kelly Silvermane, Sarah St. Amand, Megan Verrill, Kirk Walter, Hunter Webber and Crystal White.

For information on earning an adult high school diploma or GED diploma, call 345-3217 or see mechanicfalls.maineadulted.org.


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