Windham Raymond Adult Ed launches fall season - By Lorraine Glowczak

As fall makes its fast approach, it brings with it thoughts of apple picking, football, and the anticipation that comes with the beginning of another school year. For the Windham Raymond Adult Education, 406 Gray Road in Windham, things are no different as they plan a new and exciting school year of educational opportunities and fascinating enrichment courses.

For those who may be thinking about changing careers, wishing to complete their high school diploma or want to learn a new skill, Windham Raymond Adult Ed will be hosting an Open House on Wednesday, August 31^st from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Stacia Dugas, secretary, invites the public, “Come by and check out all our offerings and learn about all the courses and services that we provide, plus it will be a great time to meet some of our instructors and staff.”

Staff and instructors include Tom Nash, director as well as Tina Christophersen, Career Pathways Coordinator, Shelli Pride, College Transitions Coordinator and Cathy Giuffre-Renaud, Adult Basic Education Coordinator.  Besides Dugas, other office staff who offer assistance and act as the first point of contact include the evening secretaries, Donna Dunham and Kelly Bragdon. 

Windham Raymond Adult Ed is dedicated to student success and community enrichment for adult learners in the great lakes region and beyond. They provide quality and diverse educational opportunities for those in pursuit of career advancement, a new career path, specialized training, or an alternative to high school graduation with preparation for college or full-time employment.

There are many courses and pathways that can meet the need of almost every resident in the Windham and Raymond communities. The multiple options include but are not limited to welding, school bus driver training, automotive technology, corporate training and conversational English. For those seeking a fun enrichment opportunity, courses such as vintage holiday signage, a hunter safety course and cooking classes are also available. As for the most popular classes, Dugas stated there were many favorites, but watercolor and yoga seem to be among the most popular selections. 

“Windham Raymond Adult Education also offers High School Diploma credential opportunities. An individual can take classes and earn credits toward completing their high school diploma. We have traditional classroom or small group instruction, self-study and even on-site computer-based learning opportunities or take the HiSET®, which is the High School Equivalency Test, formerly the GED®,” Dugas said.

For those seeking post-secondary education or dream of obtaining a college degree, Windham Raymond Adult Ed offers many services including advising, Accuplacer testing, developmental courses, financial aid workshops, campus tours and application assistance.

If an individual is seeking to share their knowledge and experiences and wishes to teach a specific skill, enrichment opportunity, or specialized course, contact the office. Windham Raymond Adult Ed is always striving to provide new learning and enrichment opportunities.

Fall classes begin on Monday, September 12^th. For those who are interested in registering, Dugas said, “Contact our office and we will connect the prospective student with one of our coordinators.” General enrichment students can register with anyone in the office. To reach one of the coordinators or secretarial staff, call Windham/Raymond Adult Ed at 207-892-1819.

To all individuals wishing to reach set goals, the office staff and instructors have a motto they share and express, “Branch out and explore your world at Windham Raymond Adult Education and make that dream come true!” 

For a full list of classes offered, check out the website at www.windham.maineadulted.org.

Non-traditional students overcome adversities to graduate - By Lorraine Glowczak

Often, we hold the conviction there is only one approach to life. If we do not find ourselves on that path, we believe ourselves to be doomed and set on course for failure. It’s not until we are reminded that there are many alternate routes more appropriate for us as an individual that we are let go of that false perception. Some people discover early - the courage, creativity, and innovation to follow that alternative path such as the eighteen 2016 successful graduates of the Windham-Raymond Adult Education. 
 

It was all pomp and circumstance the evening of Thursday, June 16^th in the Windham High School Auditorium as 14 of those 18 graduates marched in to receive their high school diploma. Most of the graduates believed they would never see the day or participate in their graduation ceremony. There were few dry eyes as loved ones witnessed their son, daughter, or friend march down the aisle to “Pomp and Circumstance” played by local professional musician, Don Pride. 

Tom Nash, director of Windham-Raymond Adult Ed, welcomed and congratulated family and friends in the audience for their support and encouragement that made the difficult road to success less challenging for the students. 

Marge Govoni, chairperson of the RSU14 School Committee followed the director’s statement by explaining this was her fourth graduation ceremony this spring.  As she put it, “I’ve saved the best for last.” Why is this the best? Because each student courageously chose this alternative path despite extraordinary circumstances, taking that one extra step to complete their degrees.

Like most traditional graduation ceremonies, this one too came with inductions into the honor society and special awards. Graduates Arielle Blanchard, Qamar Hussein, and Nadezhda Filatova were inducted to the National Adult Education Honor Society, by Cathy Renaud, adult education coordinator. Also inducted were two instructors of adult education Judy Mandile and Carol Strout. A $500 scholarship as well as a Central Maine Community College grant was awarded to Josh Davis.

Graduate, Allison MacFeat was the first student speaker to share her story. She expressed her gratitude for the non-traditional opportunity to graduate high school. During her years at Gorham High, Allison faced many challenges that took her off the beaten track to traditional graduation. The adult ed option gave her the courage, focus, and motivation to reach her goal of obtaining her diploma, completing all educational requirements in three months.

Her speech was followed by student, Josh Davis. Still reeling from the surprise awards he received earlier in the ceremony, Davis sprinkled his grateful remarks with a touch of humor and candor. Due to his own challenges, Davis also fell incredibly behind with his school work and was about to give up on graduating high school. Not only did he believe he would not receive his diploma, but never once suspected he would be a speaker at his own graduation. But the fact is, he did graduate with the help of his big family/friend support group and did so while working double shifts, graduating in less than a semester.

Guest speaker was Aimee Senatore, the executive director of Sebago Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce, local business woman and life coach. Her inspiring address included suggestions for a successful future filled with passion for life. These four suggestions were: 1. Overcome fears with curiosity. 2. Choose your circle of influence. 3. Embrace the victor in you. 4. Always hold the gift of gratitude within you. She reminded the graduates that no matter what they would choose in life, challenges will always be present and there will always be more to learn. Embracing the four suggestions, will be the catalyst to overcome those challenges and live a courageous life. 

Most traditional ceremonies rush the graduates through the line to receive their diploma. However, this graduation was performed with intention and honor. Each graduate was given special attention with a sincere handshake and diploma presentation from Sanford Prince, Superintendent of Schools, followed by a moment of silence and then loud applause as the graduate walked off stage.

A few graduates took time after the ceremony to share pieces of advice. Chantelle King’s only challenge was that she wanted to graduate at a faster pace than the traditional route. She tested out of high school, scoring exceptionally well. It was her personal goal to graduate early and join the Navy. She will be leaving for Monterey, CA in September. Chantelle’s choice can be a reminder to follow dreams in unique ways. Teacher and honor society inductee, Judy Mandile, was once a student herself in adult dd. She now teaches courses in accounting and Microsoft Office and is the owner of Mandile Tax Services, LLC. Her life is an example that we never stop learning and growing. Josh Davis, who suffered from severe depression and faced great obstacles offers this one piece of advice, “The biggest thing to remember when one is about to give up - is to never believe you are out of options.”

Let the 2016 graduates of Windham-Raymond Adult Education remind us that through hard work, perseverance, focus, and courage – we can all overcome our personal challenges and be the master of our own destinies, living the life we love and envision.