MECHANIC FALLS — Seventeen students were honored at a graduation ceremony on May 10 for earning their high school diploma or GED diploma through RSU 16 Adult Education. Friends and family gathered in the Elm Street School gymnasium as graduates who were able to attend the ceremony marched single file to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by pianist, ShuJing Lian.

2013 Maine Teacher of the Year, Shannon Shanning, delivered the inspirational message, comparing a student’s educational journey to her experience of running a half marathon. She acknowledged their effort and perseverance, encouraging them to “find [their] greatness, dig a little deeper and run the race that [they] were meant to run.”

Several graduates were recognized with specific awards: Staff members Sue Lasselle and Katie Paiton presented Lisa Pomerleau with an award for perseverance; John Bowie, director of admissions and financial aid at Central Maine Community College, awarded the 11th annual Courage to Grow scholarship to Brittany Harvey; and Shannon Shanning presented Jeffrey Cleary with a full scholarship to the University of Phoenix as part of the Teacher of the Year Teaching It Forward program.

Before receiving their diplomas from Superintendent Michael Wilhelm, graduates personally thanked family, friends and educators who supported them in their educational journey by presenting them with a red rose.

Director Jenny Rose thanked the adult education staff for their dedication to students and encouraged graduates to use their talents to move forward with future plans and accomplishments, ending with a quote from musician and band leader, Les Brown. “If you set goals and go after them with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that will amaze you.”

The 2013 graduates are Sonia M. Chasse, Jeffrey S. Cleary, John F. Cole, James G. Demers, Cassandra L. Ferry, Heath G. Gauthier, Brittany J. Harvey, John A. Infante, Crystal D. Lavoie, Tad A. Martens, Cassandra B. May, Randall L. May, Kevin L. Mitchell, Christopher M. O’Brien, Lisa D. Pomerleau, Brianne M. Stevens and Ashley L. Wilson.

For more information about Maine Adult Education or to find the program nearest you, visit maineadulted.org.