Last Thursday, May 30th, marked a significant milestone for MMRACE as we had the privilege of honoring our exceptional learners and graduates. Witnessing 28 remarkable individuals, with 18 proudly crossing the stage, embark on their next chapters was a moment of immense pride and inspiration.

Set against a backdrop of natural beauty, our outdoor ceremony epitomized the essence of family, community, and unity. The achievements of our graduates already echo in various sectors:

💅 Excelling as certified nail technicians in local beauty salons.
🍎 Demonstrating versatility as substitute educators while pursuing early childhood education degrees.
💉 Venturing into the medical field as medical assistants, CNAs, with aspirations towards nursing.
📚 Enrolling in workforce programs through MMRACE or continuing education at KVCC.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Deepening involvement in their children’s education and community initiatives.

This is just the beginning of their remarkable journeys.

Each graduate embodies our collective pride and optimism for their futures. As Director Hannah Bard wisely shared, embracing discomfort is integral to growth and self-improvement. By embracing challenges as opportunities and persisting through moments of uncertainty, they’ll unlock their fullest potential.

To our graduates: your achievements fill us with pride, and we eagerly anticipate your future successes.

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Niya Anthony – HiSET Graduate
Niya realized that to have satisfying employment, she needed to complete her education. She liked MMRACE because of the small class sizes and the openness and helpfulness of the staff and teachers. The flexible hours made it convenient for Niya to work part-time while attending classes. Niya plans to go to college to earn a certificate, though she is still unsure which area she will pursue. She would like to thank her mom, as well as the teachers and staff, for helping her attain this goal.

Jesse Berkner – HiSET Graduate
Jesse enrolled at MMRACE to pursue his goal of studying Cybersecurity in college. He recognized that education was essential for attending college and building the career he wanted. Jesse appreciated the flexibility of the HiSET program, which allowed him to attend classes at convenient times. He found the subject areas more approachable and less stressful compared to his high school experience. Jesse is grateful for the support and help from his teachers, especially Nancy, which he credits for his success with the essay. Although he is still undecided about which college to attend, he wants to thank the teachers and staff for their support throughout his HiSET journey.

Sanova Chase – Diploma Graduate
Sanova enrolled at MMRACE because she realized that a diploma would enable her to get a better job and build a career. She found it very difficult to complete online classes during the pandemic. She enjoyed Adult Ed because the teachers were very helpful, there were fewer students in the classes, and the flexible schedule allowed her to continue working. Now that she has received her diploma, Sanova feels many doors will open for her, providing better job opportunities and the credentials to attend college. She plans to study Cyber Security in college. One of Sanova’s favorite quotes is from William Ritter: “Failure is not the opposite of success; it is part of the success.”

Scott Currier – HISET Graduate
Scott is transitioning into a new field, United Postal Service. He is excited to be entering this next phase of his life. One of his long-term goals is to own his own trucking business. Scott appreciated completing his HiSET at MMRACE because it was self-paced, allowing him to finish it on his own schedule. He would like to thank the teachers and staff at MMRACE for their support. With their help, he will be able to expand his career opportunities and pursue any job he desires.

Aaron Davis – HiSET Graduate
Aaron enrolled at MMRACE with a clear goal in mind: to secure employment at T Mobile, understanding that a diploma was a prerequisite for the job. He appreciated the flexibility of Adult Education, allowing him to tailor his schedule around his job commitments. MMRACE provided Aaron with the opportunity to learn at his own pace, catering to his individual learning style. Now employed at T Mobile, Aaron acknowledges that this achievement wouldn’t have been possible without his diploma. Looking ahead, he aspires to build his own house. Aaron expresses gratitude to the teachers and staff at MMRACE for supporting his unique learning journey and providing encouragement as he worked towards his goal.

Percy Evans – Diploma Graduate – NAEHS Member
Percy enrolled at MMRACE to receive his diploma for personal satisfaction. He appreciated meeting new people and making lasting friendships. He found the teachers and staff to be very helpful at all times. Percy knew he needed a diploma if he decided to continue his education, and it would also provide better employment opportunities. Percy would like to thank the staff at MMRACE for all their support and help. His favorite quote is from JJ Boss: “A mouth can say anything. It doesn’t mean it is true.”

Kody Flood – HiSET Graduate
Kody, during the pandemic, was homeschooled and wanted to return to school to finish his diploma. He liked the HiSET program because it focused on the five classes needed to earn his diploma. Kody appreciated the smaller classes and one-on-one instruction. He plans to attend a community college in the future but is unsure what his major will be. Eventually, Kody wants to own his own business. He would like to thank Nancy, Ashley, the staff, and especially his parents for helping him reach his goal.

Samson Friel – HiSET Graduate
Samson returned to complete his education at MMRACE to attend Eastern Maine Community College (EMCC) for Computer Science. He felt that the teachers made the work enjoyable, so it didn’t feel like a chore. He especially appreciated the flexibility, as the class times were set but allowed him to attend those that fit his schedule best. Samson’s favorite quote is from Epictetus: “You could be better today, yet you choose tomorrow.”

Isabell Frost – Diploma Graduate
Isabell enrolled at MMRACE to pursue her High School Diploma, driven by her desire for her grandfather to witness her graduation. She valued the flexibility of classes, appreciating the option to attend remotely via Zoom if unable to be physically present. Isabell extends her gratitude to Paula for her invaluable assistance and understanding throughout her journey. With her diploma, Isabell is confident that she will have access to more job opportunities, and she looks forward to securing employment in the near future.

Jaden Gagne – HiSET Graduate – Speaker
Jaden enrolled at MMRACE to graduate with his class and complete his education. He particularly appreciated the one-on-one attention offered in the HiSET program. Jaden managed to balance work and class attendance seamlessly, thanks to the program’s flexibility. Coach Smith’s encouragement played a significant role in Jaden’s decision to attend adult education, and he knows Coach Smith will be proud of his accomplishment. Jaden aspires to pursue a career in criminal justice and is currently exploring various program options and colleges. He expresses gratitude to Coach Smith, the teachers and staff, and his friend’s family for their invaluable help and support in reaching this goal.

Ezekiel Goodwin – Diploma Graduate
Ezekiel joined MMRACE with the goal of obtaining his high school diploma, needing just two classes to fulfill the requirement. His aspiration to join the Marines necessitated having a diploma, a prerequisite for enlistment. Appreciating the flexibility to work at his own pace, Ezekiel efficiently completed his coursework within a manageable timeframe. The accommodating schedule allowed him to balance his commitments effectively. Throughout his journey, the supportive staff and teachers were readily available to offer assistance whenever needed. With his diploma now secured, Ezekiel is poised to pursue his ambition of joining the Marines, knowing it will facilitate his future endeavors. He extends his gratitude to the instructors and staff for their unwavering support. Reflecting on his experience, he shares a poignant quote that resonates with him: “Always try to be better but never strive for perfection. Perfection is only attainable to the people with imperfections.” – Unknown.

Colin Herling – HiSET Graduate
Colin sought to improve his job prospects and enrolled in MMRACE to earn a diploma. He appreciated the flexible hours, which enabled him to attend classes while balancing his work schedule. Colin found the class structure conducive to seamless progression from one subject to another. He credits his girlfriend for her support in achieving this goal. Colin’s future plans include attending Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) to pursue a degree in Plumbing and Heating Technology – HVAC.

Wyatt Mansir – HiSET Graduate
Wyatt joined the HiSET Program at MMRACE to pursue his education. Amidst the challenges of the pandemic, he struggled with online learning but thrived in live classes. Eventually, he made the decision to leave school and enter the workforce to earn a living. Wyatt appreciated the supportive environment provided by the teachers and staff, as well as the flexible class hours that allowed him to balance work commitments. While he remains uncertain about attending college, he recognizes the value of obtaining a diploma for securing better job opportunities. Wyatt acknowledges his mother and his girlfriend, Destiny, for their encouragement and support throughout his educational journey, attributing much of his success to them.

Javier Mata – HiSET Graduate
Javier enrolled at MMRACE to complete his high school education. He knew that without a diploma, it would be difficult to obtain a job he enjoyed. Javier has many goals in life, one of which is to eventually own his own business. Receiving his diploma is a crucial step toward reaching this goal. Javier appreciated the support from all the teachers and staff at MMRACE and would like to thank everyone for their encouragement.

Bruse Moody – Diploma Graduate
Bruse made the decision to complete his education as a means of setting a positive example for his children. Having left high school due to a family emergency when he was just 4 credits shy of graduating, Bruse was determined to finish what he started. He found the atmosphere at MMRACE to be refreshing, as the teachers and students fostered a different relationship than in high school. Here, the teachers treated students as adults, not children. Bruse also appreciated the option to attend classes remotely via Zoom, which proved invaluable when finding a babysitter was challenging. With his diploma in hand, Bruse can now apply for jobs that require this credential and pursue higher education opportunities. He extends special thanks to his wife for her unwavering support throughout this journey and expresses gratitude to the teachers and staff for their encouragement and assistance. Bruse finds inspiration in a quote from Joe Dirt: “Life is a garden, dig it.”

Gabrielle Morin – HiSET Graduate
Gabrielle enrolled at MMRACE because she knew it was important to have a high school diploma to gain employment. She appreciated the welcoming and encouraging atmosphere created by the teachers and staff at adult education. Gabrielle felt no pressure and could work at her own pace and on her own schedule. She especially enjoyed working with Ashley for math, as the concepts were explained in an easy-to-understand way. Gabrielle attributes passing the math test to Ashley’s help. Now that she has her diploma, Gabrielle will continue working at Poppy Learning Center as the Lead Teacher. She may also pursue further education in childhood development in the future. Gabrielle would like to thank the teachers and staff at MMRACE for all their help and support, especially Hannah Bard, for always being there and encouraging her to complete her education.

Sydney “Ari” Paradis – HiSET Graduate
Ari chose to enroll at MMRACE to pursue their diploma, finding traditional high school too rigid for their liking. They discovered that the atmosphere at adult education was more supportive, less stressful, and the study sessions were more fulfilling. Motivated to graduate alongside their peers, they committed herself to attending classes regularly, working diligently, and ultimately earning their diploma. The flexibility of class hours allowed them to tailor their schedule to their needs, a feature they appreciated. Ari intends to further her education by attending a Community College for General Studies, with aspirations of eventually pursuing forensic science at a university. Among their memories, one stands out vividly: the exhilaration they felt when they narrowly missed a perfect score on their reading exam. Grateful for their father’s unwavering support and encouragement, they credit him for bringing them to classes. They also expresses gratitude to the dedicated staff and teachers who fostered their growth. Their favorite quote, by Zeniba from Spirited Away, resonates deeply with them: “Once you have met someone, you never really forget them. It just takes a while for your memories to return.”

Sabryna Reynolds – HiSET Graduate – NAEHS Member – Speaker
Sabryna decided to return to school and finish her education to motivate her children. She wanted to show them that “even if you fall behind, you can pick yourself up and continue.” She enjoyed the HiSET classes because they allowed for more one-on-one attention when needed. Sabryna particularly appreciated the flexibility of the classes, enabling her to choose times that worked best for her. She attributes part of her success to her husband and mom, who were her biggest supporters and helpers. Sabryna is currently enrolled at Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) to earn a degree Early Childhood Education. While she is completing her degree she is also working as an Education Technician for Waterville Public Schools.

Matthew Rivera – HiSET Graduate
Matthew enrolled at MMRACE to complete his education and attend community college. He appreciated that the teachers tailored their instruction to his learning style and that the flexible schedule made it easy to attend classes. By receiving his diploma, he will be able to attend community college or secure a better-paying job. Matthew enjoys writing creative stories and may pursue that interest in college. He would like to thank the teachers and staff for all their help and support during his education. His favorite quote is from Descartes: “I think, therefore I am.”

Marcus Ruiz – HiSET Graduate
Marcus enrolled in the HiSET program after being homeschooled and struggling to find suitable programs. He appreciated how willing the teachers were to help him when he didn’t understand the material. He also liked the flexible hours, which allowed him to choose class times that suited him. Marcus was particularly nervous about math but found Ashley very helpful; she explained the process in a way he could understand. Now that he has his diploma, he is confident that he will be able to further his education and have better career opportunities. He plans to attend college in the future, though he is still unsure where or what his major will be. Marcus would like to thank the teachers and staff for their helpfulness and support.

Miranda Prime – HiSET Graduate – NAEHS Member – Speaker
Miranda knew it was time to complete her education to attend college. She also wanted to prove to her children that you can accomplish anything once you make a commitment. Miranda liked the classes and found Nancy and Ashley to be especially helpful and patient, attributing her academic success to them. They were always willing to help and answer any questions, both in and out of class. Along with working, Miranda is currently taking classes at Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) and will be enrolling in the fall to study respiratory therapy. This semester she also completed our Certified Clinical Medical Assistant training with MaineGeneral. She would like to thank the entire staff at MMRACE for their help and support. One of her favorite quotes is by Amelia Earhart: “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”

Jasmine Soucy – HiSET Graduate
Jasmine enrolled at MMRACE to complete her education and earn her HiSET Diploma. She understood the importance of obtaining a diploma to succeed in her career. Jasmine found the teachers and staff very helpful and encouraging. Nancy was a great help with her writing, and Ashley went above and beyond to assist her with math. Jasmine appreciated the structure of the class, where everyone focused on their own work, unlike day school, which often had a lot of drama. Jasmine plans to enter an Earn to Learn Program and hopes to become a CNA at Gray Birch Rehabilitation. She would like to thank everyone at Waterville Adult Education for their continuous support and encouragement. Jasmine would especially like to thank Nancy and Ashley for being such great teachers and role models.

Hasan Sif Eddin – Diploma Graduate
Hasan, a man in his fifties with a diploma from Syria and around 30 years of experience as a master electrician, didn’t realize he would need to start over when he immigrated to the United States. Starting over is never easy, but it is possible. In 2023, Hasan enrolled at MMRACE to work on his high school diploma. Alongside taking classes from Adult Education, he completed two college math classes at KVCC. Despite all the pressures that come with starting over, Hasan remained appreciative of his MMRACE teachers, classmates, and staff. Hasan’s next step is to complete his associate’s degree in Electrical Technology at KVCC. Mr. Sif Eddin has become a role model for his peers in the immigrant community, proving that age, being a father of four, trauma, financial hardship, and other life challenges cannot stop you when you unleash your ambitions.

Paula Veloza-Suarez – HiSET Graduate – NAEHS Member
Paula enrolled at MMRACE to obtain her HiSET, aiming for a better opportunity to attend KVCC. Previously, she had received a high school diploma while living in Colombia. She enjoyed attending classes at MMRACE because the staff and teachers were supportive. Paula appreciated being able to study at her own pace and attend classes at times that worked best for her. The teachers were always available when she needed extra help. Paula plans to attend KVCC to earn her Associate Degree in Nursing and, after working for a few years, continue her education to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree. Paula’s favorite quote is “aché” from the Colombian Indigenous language, meaning “to have courage and to keep going.”

Cameron Warfel – HiSET Graduate
Cameron made the decision to return to school to obtain his HiSET, aiming to enhance his employment prospects. He particularly valued the flexibility of being able to choose when to attend classes. Despite working full-time, he managed to attend classes and take tests in the evenings. Cameron’s wife played a significant role in supporting him to accomplish this goal. Looking ahead, he is optimistic about attending Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) to study Business Management. He expresses gratitude to the staff for their assistance in helping him achieve this milestone.

Ethan Wood – HiSET Graduate
Ethan enrolled at MMRACE to complete his education by earning his HiSET. He appreciated adult education because it was easier to focus in class compared to the drama in high school. Ethan also liked how willing the teachers were to help with any problem and found it to be a good environment to ask questions. He enjoyed the small class size and the flexible hours, which suited his schedule. Ethan believes earning his diploma is a kickstart to adulthood. He plans to attend college at some point, which will prepare him for better job opportunities, though he is unsure of his major. Ethan would like to thank the teachers and staff for their help and support. Receiving a 5 on his essay is a special memory he will never forget. “A step today is a mile tomorrow.”

Jade Zuniga – HiSET Graduate – Master of Ceremonies
Jade enrolled at MMRACE with the goal of obtaining her high school diploma. She recognized that without it, she wouldn’t be able to pursue her dream of attending Aveda to become a nail technician. Jade appreciated the flexibility of adult education, allowing her to focus on one class at a time. Nancy and Ashley provided constant encouragement and support, always available to help whenever she needed them. Additionally, Jade found inspiration in her favorite album, “Genesis – A New Beginning” by Peso Pluma, as she embarked on a new chapter at Aveda. Jade is now certified as a nail technician.