Graduation 2019 was an uplifting event celebrating all of the adults who completed their high school education (by passing the HiSET or the GED) this year. 28 graduates participated, 24 of whom studied at The Literacy Project.
Many thanks to Greenfield Community College for hosting the event and to photographer Matthew Cavanaugh for documenting the festivities. Thanks to Matthew, we have a beautiful photo tour of the event below.
Here’s the whole group of graduates!
Next are portraits of students from The Literacy Project who passed the GED or HiSET Test this year! We had 53 graduates last year, so these are just a few of them! You’ll also see our Greenfield Instructor Elizabeth (Beth) Byrne in a few pictures with her students, and one student posed with her very proud daughter!
We were pleased to be able to celebrate several other HiSET or GED graduates, pictured below! While they did not study with us at The Literacy Project, we celebrate their success!
The ceremony was well-attended by family members of the graduates as well as teachers, volunteer tutors, mentors, supporters and friends. The graduates processed in, applauded by their many fans.
GCC’s Coordinator of Student Assessment, Dr. Kate Devlin, led the ceremony with an inspiring combination of solemnity and celebration:
We heard congratulatory speeches by GCC’s President Dr. Yves Salomon-Fenandez:
… and The Literacy Project’s own Executive Director Judith Roberts:
Elizabeth (Beth) Byrne delivered a beautiful tribute to the students, which brought tears to the eyes of many of us!
The student speakers, Emma Close and Terry Gurley, spoke for many when they described the hard work it took to overcome obstacles and reach this moment.
Finally it was time for diplomas, cake, photos and hugs!
Congratulations to all of the graduates, and everyone who supported them along the way! Mark your calendars for next year’s graduation in October 2020. The Literacy Project’s classes are full of students who are working hard to be there next year!
