12 Students Took ‘Less Traveled’ Path To A Diploma

By Tanjua Damon

Students in the Adult Education Program took the less traveled path to obtain the ultimate goal of receiving a high school diploma. But the 12 students who received their diplomas June 12 fought many obstacles to achieve the ultimate goal.

Director of Continuing Education at Newtown High School Diane Thompson congratulated the graduates and told them to continue pursuing their dreams and goals because they have the motivation to succeed.

“Each one of you is different. Therefore your choices will be different,” Ms Thompson said. “What is the meaning of your life? This isn’t something you discover. This is something you invent. It’s all up to you. Think about who has made a difference in your life and make a difference in someone else’s life.”

The 12 students who received diplomas were Daniel Butz, Zachary Bloom, Cristina DeHippolytis, Jacqueline DePace, William DeVoid, David Henss, Brian Ingram, Steven Karolczek, Andrew Opgaard, Erin O’Shaughnessy, Ryan Roberts and Brian Siedlarz.

During the ceremony in the Lecture Hall at the high school on June 12, teachers Mimi Riccio and Christine Shanchuk spoke about each of the students being honored.

Ms Riccio described Daniel Butz as having the dedication and hard work to achieve the goal of receiving his diploma.

“He never gave up. He chipped away on his diploma,” she said. “Through all this the one thing he said to me is I really want that diploma. You made it.”

Ms Riccio told that graduates that the road that choose may not be the one most would take, but they made it through. She quoted Robert Frost, “I took the road less traveled and it had made all the difference.”

Cristina DeHippolytis was described as being good natured and willing to work.

“She’s delightful. A great sense of humor, very bright,” Ms Shanchuk said. “She has tremendous integrity. I think we had a lot of fun. These girls would just keep plugging away.”

Jacqueline DePace had a lot of obstacles to overcome before being able to finish the requirements to receive her high school diploma.

“She kept coming back and she did it. She overcame a lot,” Ms Riccio said. “She worked so, so hard. She has a bright future. I’m just so proud of her. She set such an example.”

William DeVoid will be remembered by his teachers a prompt and ready to work.

“He was an absolute joy. He was always there on time, diligent and hard working,” Ms Riccio said. “This is just the beginning. I know you are going to go far.”

David Henss had to work hard for his diploma, but he prevailed.

“We made him work very hard for this. He had to stretch himself to places I don’t think he’s ever been before,” Ms Thompson said. “He’s worked very hard from where he’s gone, been and where he will go.”

Brian Ingram finished the program in one year because of his diligence and perseverance.

“Quiet, diligent, responsible, mature no nonsense, ready to move on,” Ms Riccio said. “He finished in one year.”

Andrew Opgaard was the first graduate from his class of 2001.

“He’s punctual and motivated,” Ms Riccio said. “He said I’m not stopping now. I’m just going to keep in going.”

Brian Siedlarz was quiet, but hard working and ready to learn.

“Quiet as anything. As I’ve seen through the years, how we use the term adult education has changed,” Ms Riccio said. “Brian has already established himself. He has a job. He’s getting his diploma for himself and his family.”

Students have to complete the same requirements during night school through the Adult Education Program as traditional students do. The program is state run and a collaborative program with other towns in the region. For more information about the Adult Education Program call 426-1787.