49 GRADUATES RECEIVE DIPLOMAS AT 18TH ANNUAL GED GRADUATION

 

(GARDNER)—Over three hundred friends and family members looked on as 49 graduates received GED diplomas and heard GED success stories at the 18th annual GED graduation at Mount Wachusett Community College, Sat., May 31.

On behalf of President Daniel M. Asquino, Dean of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development Jacqueline Belrose congratulated the graduates on choosing to make education a priority. “Receiving of this certificate is a testament to your hard work and determination. When you look in the mirror, I hope that you see what I see: someone with limitless potential. You have proved you have what it takes to succeed.”

Keynote speaker Christine Maxfield, and 1975 GED graduate, and now site coordinator and counselor at the Leominster Adult Basic Education Center, shared her personal story of determination, hard work, and success. After leaving high school at age 16 to live on her own, she supported herself with a factory job but regretted not finishing her high school education. Several years later, after mustering her resolve and overcoming her initial fears, Maxfield earned her GED, which gave her the courage to continue on. She graduated from the Mount in 1991 and from UMASS Amherst in 1996 (while working full-time). “The nicest gift I ever gave myself was the gift of going back to school and getting an education. Education has opened so many doors for me and it will for you, too.” she advised graduates.

Also addressing her fellow graduates was Susan Medaglia. She explained that she always had a million excuses for putting off getting her GED, but the simplest one was that she was afraid she’d fail. Once she took the first step, she found that she, too, had what it takes to succeed. She took a moment to praise MWCC staff for all they do to help students succeed by exclaiming enthusiastically, “They rock!”

Graduate Benedict Agyapong received the President’s Award for Academic Excellence. This scholarship provides two courses through the College’s Division of Lifelong Learning and Workforce Development and a cash award. Agyapong, a native of Ghana, arrived in the United States three years ago. He completed the program while often working 12-hour days. Instructor Ronnie Kell described Agyapong as a “serious and capable students always willing to help others.” He plans to continue his education in MWCC’s automotive technology program then earn his bachelor’s degree.

In the past year, 526 students took the GED exam through Mount Wachusett Community College.