Sixteen Students Graduate From Adult Diploma Program

By Shannon Hicks

Fourteen graduates-to-be entered the lecture hall of Newtown High School just after 6 pm on Monday, June 2. Their studies complete, the men and women were assembling on the hall’s small stage before family and friends to complete the formalities of their high school education.

Less than an hour later, the Newtown High School Adult Diploma Program had presented diplomas to 14 graduates, and teachers were saying goodbye to former students who could continue with their life now that they had successfully completed their studies. Two more students were part of the class this year, but were unable to attend Monday’s graduation ceremony.

The program offers classes to adults 16 years of age or older who do not have a high school diploma, and as program coordinator and teacher Diane Thompson said this week, “Every one of those students has their own story.” The program is run under the auspices of Western Connecticut Adult and Continuing Education (WeRACE), with classes taking place in three eight-week semesters during the school year. Students can also opt to do independent studies to earn their diploma. This year’s class comprised students from Newtown, Bethel, Danbury, Monroe, and Southbury.

Diplomas were presented to Jeffrey Aylward, Andrew Belovich, Jeanette Buttner, Todd Dittman, Michael Gulla, Manya Kuzemchenko, Jacquelyn LaChapelle, Timothy Ludlum, Douglas Roger, Christopher Ruggiero, William Schmalz, Stephanie Wiedemann, Kristen Wogksch, and Kelly Yerashunas. Also receiving diplomas this year, but unable to attend on Monday, are Michael Martino and Joseph Yursik.

As the students filed into the lecture hall they were welcomed by an audience of nearly 100 people –– faculty, friends, and family members. Guests also included Newtown Schools Superintendent Evan Pitkoff, NHS Principal Bill Manfredonia, and Board of Education member Earl Gordon, who helped with the presentation of diplomas.

“The students in this program have all overcome personal difficulties,” Mrs Thompson said during her opening remarks Monday. “They are tenacious, inspiring students. They each took advantage of our limited resources to create a better future for themselves.

“These graduates have opened doors to infinite possibilities,” she continued.

As Mrs Thompson called each graduate’s name, the student walked to the center of the stage to receive his or her diploma and then stood near the podium as their teachers shared personal anecdotes. Tutor Chris Shanchuk and teachers Mimi Riccio and Suzanne Hurley, in addition to Mrs Thompson, who also teaches in the diploma program, described the courses of their students as “demanding and difficult,” and their students as “motivated,” “a delight to know,” “determined,” “pleasant,” “an exemplary student,” and “ready.”

The teachers shared stories of students who had given up on their education more than once, only to return a few months later to pick up where they had left off. They recalled moments that brought smiles and laughter, and made each graduate’s moment in the spotlight a personal time.

“Because this is a small program, we know our students well,” Mrs Shanchuk said near the end of the ceremony. “We know how difficult this is for them.”

After the final diploma was presented Mrs Thompson offered a few closing remarks, the graduates tuned their tassels, and they were off to various celebrations. They were also officially high school graduates, ready to go into their future with an important piece of paper to help them succeed.