CARIBOU, Maine — Eastern Aroostook Adult and Community Education held their 2014 graduation ceremony on May 22, at the Caribou Learning Center.
Dan MacDonald, director of the Eastern Aroostook Adult Education program was the first speaker to introduce the event and welcome all those in attendance. MacDonald asked all audience members to please stand and show their appreciation to the graduating class as they proceeded through the room to their respective seats at the front. The large and boisterous crowd was also asked to remain standing as Alveena Gonzalez, a member of the 2014 graduating class, recited the Pledge of Allegiance to get the ceremony underway.
MacDonald returned to the podium to introduce this year’s special guest speaker, the Honorable Peter Edgecomb. Edgecomb was previously a member of the Maine House of Representatives for the 4th district from 2004-12. He is the only legislator from Caribou to serve the entire term-limit as a representative, before being succeeded by Carol McElwee, who was also in attendance at the ceremony. Edgecomb currently resides in Caribou and was previously both a teacher and principal. After graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, Edgecomb received an M.A. in education from the University of New Hampshire, so he is no stranger to the education system.
Edgecomb delivered his speech with a unique, but practical message that came in 38 abrupt steps. First, Edgecomb congratulated the class for setting a great example for their friends and family, who he assured, would all be very proud of them. Next, he began with his list of 38 items of advice he was willing to offer to the graduates. Edgecomb admitted that not all of the 38 items were original thoughts from him, but they were important pieces of advice provided to him by a number of different wise voices.
Edgecomb began with number one by saying, “Your kindness will always be remembered long beyond your brilliance.”
After a long list of wise and educational tips from Edgecomb, he finished his speech with number 38, “I am Peter Edgecomb, and I approve this message,” he joked.
Edgecomb finished his address by awarding a lucky graduate with an uncirculated 1987 silver dollar, which he claimed could begin the graduate’s savings for their future. The silver dollar was randomly awarded to Tyler Charette.
The carnation ceremony was then presented by Karen Rockwell, who praised the graduating class for the determination and hard work they have displayed on the way to earning their diplomas. The graduates were given a carnation, and in an emotional moment they then presented the flower to someone special to them.
This year’s student speaker, Derik Michaud was next to approach the podium, and after his class speech he, along with classmate Joel Johndro, would be awarded the GED 3000 Award, presented by Gary Kaszas. Michaud and Johndro earned the award by being the only students to earn a score above 3000 on the GED test, or by earning a score above 75 on the HISET — a newly established test that has been implemented to replace the previous GED test. The two students were awarded a certificate and a medal to commemorate the honor.
There were also two more awards to hand out at the ceremony, including a scholarship for a three-credit course at Northern Maine Community College and the Director’s Award. Dr. Dorothy “Dottie” Martin, the academic dean of NMCC was in attendance to present the scholarship. She mentioned that many people look at a commencement ceremony as the end, but it is really just the beginning. She offered her assistance to any graduating students interested in furthering their education at NMCC.
This year, the two awards were both taken home by the same graduate, Makala Bragg. As MacDonald presented the Director’s Award to Bragg he expressed how much everyone at the school would miss Bragg. He said, it may be called the Director’s Award, but the winner is really decided on by the entire Adult Ed team.
Dir. Dan MacDonald had some further comments he had hoped to relay to this year’s graduates.
“Like any good adventure, education and careers often have detours and distractions that divert us from our path. Staying true to your goals and finding your way back to ultimately reach your destination makes victory that much sweeter,” said MacDonald. “ I would like to offer my congratulations to the many learners who found success through the Eastern Aroostook Adult and Community Education programs this year. Whether your goal was to obtain a high school diploma, high school equivalency diploma, professional certification or college entrance, we commend you on your decision to make learning a lifelong process and are proud of each of you for your achievements.”
The commencement ceremony was concluded by the awarding of the diplomas, which were handed out by RSU 39 Superintendent Frank McElwain, RSU 39 Board Chairman Clifford Rhome, and MacDonald. MacDonald also had one more thing to tell the graduates before the graduating class reception.
“I wish you many more great adventures and continued success personally, educationally and professionally,” said MacDonald. “Always remember that there are no real limitations to your potential, only those you place on yourself. Education is the key to unlocking that potential.”
Finally, the graduates and their friends and family made their way down the hall to the reception, where State Rep. McElwee was in attendance to congratulate all of the 2014 graduates, while serving cake and refreshments to all those wishing to join in the finale of the commencement ceremony.
