MECHANIC FALLS – Twelve RSU 16 Adult Education students were honored at a cap and gown graduation ceremony on June 2 for meeting high school completion goals. Close to 90 friends and family gathered in the Elm Street School gym as eight of the graduates marched single file to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by pianist, Lindsay Cook.

Superintendent Tina Meserve delivered the inspirational message on the “Value of Dreams”, saying, “The proper measure of success is not how much you’ve closed the distance to some far-off goal, but the quality of what you’ve done today.” She encouraged graduates not to dismiss the power of dreams, using Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayor as an example of accomplishment.

Several graduates were recognized with specific awards. The RSU 16 Adult Education Association scholarship was awarded to Kayla Olson by Advisor Katie Paiton and Association member Pat Demers. The Central Maine Community College Courage to Grow scholarship was awarded to Randi Carr by CMCC Academic Advisor Rebecca Buck. Teacher Susan Lasselle also presented an award to Mekayla Farley for overcoming obstacles.

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

In closing, Director Jenny Rose encouraged graduates to surround themselves with supportive people and to make choices that won’t distract them from making progress toward future goals.

The 2017 graduates are Eric S. Burlock, Brittney A. Burnham, Randi R. Carr, Samuel J. Cook, Thomas M. Cunneen, Tatyania E. Drake, Peter A. Dumond, Mekayla T. Farley, Benjamin K. Kennagh, Shawn K. LeClair, Tyler M. Moulton, and Kayla M. Olson.

FMI: maineadulted.org.