MECHANIC FALLS — Thirty-seven students were honored at a graduation ceremony on May 4 for earning their high school diploma or GEDdiploma through RSU 16 Adult Education. Approximately 175 were gathered in the Elm Street School gym as graduates marched single file to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by pianist, ShuJing Lian.

State Sen. Lois Snowe-Mello congratulated the graduates on their achievements and encouraged them to continue with their education. Former program director Nancy Watson delivered an inspirational message and was later presented a plaque honoring her 21 years of service to the Adult Education program.

Graduate Kathleen Fraser conveyed the sense of pride she felt about her accomplishment as she shared her personal story of going to Adult Education “to finish what [she] could not back in 1961.”

Several graduates were recognized with awards for outstanding performance: Christopher White, Achievement; Sunny Corbin, Determination; Stephanie Cook, Perseverance; and Mark Duval, Transformation.

The Mechanic Falls, Minot and Poland Adult Education Association awarded the Patricia J. Demers Scholarship of $500 to Kelsey Bailey. Walter Ridlon, Central Maine Community College, awarded the 10th annual Courage to Grow Scholarship to Heather Coulombe.

Before receiving their diplomas from School Committee Chairwoman Mary Ella Jones, graduates thanked family, friends and educators who supported them in their educational journey by presenting them with a red carnation.

Director Jenny Rose thanked the adult education staff for their dedication to students and encouraged graduates to use the satisfaction of the evening as inspiration to go forward with their future plans.

The 2012 graduates are Kelsey Bailey, Ashley Bower, Lisa Bragdon, Stephanie Cook, Sunny Corbin, Heather Coulombe, Emylie Dalrymple, Ashley Davis, Trisha Donahue, Mark Duval, Chelsea Emery, Daniel Foss, Kathleen Fraser, Samuel Gallardo, Jr., Aaron Hall, Tyde Hall, Javan Huntley, Austin Jordan, Brandon Kimball, Joseph Lapointe III, Scott Marston, Anthony Marvin, Nicholas Page, Paul Parreault, Kyle Pelletier, David Poulin, II, Dawn Rideout, Ashley Rines, Brandon Roberts, Jesse Rubly, Korey St. Pierre, Samuel Thomas III, Steven Thurlow, Christopher White and Joshua White.

Those with a goal to obtain an adult high school diploma or GEDdiploma should call 345-3217 or visit mechanicfalls.maineadulted.org. To find the nearest Adult Education program, visit maineadulted.org.

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