Adult Education Student Highlight
Lake Region and Fryeburg Area Adult Education is proud to highlight one of our recent, and very successful students, Anthony Engelhardt.
Anthony’s story is not unlike a lot of our students. He dropped out of high school as a senior, and just didn’t do much of anything for a couple of years. Other people had told him about adult education, and he made a decision to find out more about it. He contacted us for some direction and support to earn his high school diploma. He enrolled in our HiSET diploma equivalency program and worked hard with our academic instructors to prepare for his exams. He did more than pass the tests – he ended his high school career as an honor graduate, receiving college and career ready scores on all five HiSET exams. Those scores are quite an accomplishment, as the HiSET is a rigorous set of 5 exams in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.
He continued working with our College, Career and Academic Advisor, Rhonda Jacobson, and when I asked Anthony about his experience with our program, he was quick to respond. “Rhonda was honestly the biggest help to me out of anything. Getting me ready for my HiSET, graduation, helping me get into college really quickly. I just texted her and she was right there ready to help me get my financial aid sorted out. She helped me set up all this today. You know? She’s done just so much, and I don’t think I could have done it without her.”
Anthony was awarded a $500.00 scholarship at graduation from the Rotary Club of Bridgton-Lake Region by Rotarian Erin Nelson. She and fellow Rotarian Julie Forbes presented the check to him this week, He has successfully completed his first semester at Southern Maine Community College which is a requirement to receive the scholarship. He is pursuing a major in cyber-security at SMCC, and already is seriously considering continuing in this field at a 4-year university.
Lake Region and Fryeburg Area Adult Ed is committed to help students like Anthony pursue their goals and dreams. Please call us if you need support finishing or continuing your education or workplace training. 627-4291 or lakeregion-fryeburg@maineadulted.org.
Meet some of our remarkable students!
To commemorate this very special occasion, our staff recorded their thoughts and comments about our students and these words were read during the commencement ceremony.
CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes for the very best in all your future endeavors!
Russelie Sueiro
“It was a joy to observe Russelie’s metamorphosis from a person who just wanted to graduate, to a scholar who had goals to succeed in both college and life. With her advanced reading and writing skills, she will embrace an exciting world of knowledge to be discovered. She is a good listener and analyzes each situation, so she can write and speak with clarity. She scored College Ready on 4 of her tests. She is enrolled in college for the fall and will work towards a major in Communications and New Media.”
Davynn Reed
“Davynn might win the award for the student who made his way the fastest through the HiSET.
He started during the pandemic closure and worked seamlessly through all of his tests earning College Ready scores on 4 out of 5 tests.
Davynn plans to continue on to Hofstra University this fall.”
Emily Chronarakis
“Emily is incredibly creative, which is obvious both in conversation and in her writing compositions. She is was able to score college ready on 4/5 of her tests while working full time. Emily plans to do some traveling prior to beginning her post-secondary education.”
Michaela Smith
“Michaela worked diligently on her HiSET every week without fail, even toward the end of her pregnancy. She is extremely artistic, has a green thumb, and is an amazing mom to six- month-old Theo. She enjoys learning, smiles all the time, and exudes humility and patience.”
Crystal White
“Crystal worked on her diploma for two years, and she never missed class. We would receive texts from her asking for more work to do. She revised essays and papers until she earned good grades, and she never complained. Even though math wasn’t her favorite subject, she committed her time and used her sense of humor to get through a difficult subject. She will achieve her goal to become a CNA with her determination and her desire to help others.”
Michael Jacques
“Michael is a conscientious learner, setting goals and achieving them quickly. His writing style is creative and includes specific, persuasive arguments. Michael was hyper-focused and reached his goals. His sense of humor and his ability to “think out of the box” makes him an exceptional learner. He scored College Ready on 3 of his tests, and he continues to work with us towards his goal of entering college.”
Mallary Emery
“Mallary worked diligently to achieve her educational goals. A mother of three young daughters, she kept working through all kinds of obstacles to make completing her education happen. She scored College Ready on 4 out of her 5 tests. In the College Success class, she supported her classmates with intelligent questions to keep the discussions elevated. She plans to continue her education this fall entering Central Maine Community College.
Karlie Libby
“Karlie came to us shortly after her baby was born and would attend class with very little sleep. She was one of our hardest working students and she was determined to pass her tests quickly. Karlie has a natural intellect and was self-motivated and determined to meet her goals so she could move on with her life. We were always impressed with her strength and perseverance.”
Kate Wilcox
“Kate earned her HiSET in December and has already completed one semester of college. Kate scored College Ready on 4 of her tests! She is highly motivated to learn and succeed. With her self-confidence, kind heart, and quick intelligence, her service to the community will be greatly appreciated.”
Nadia Gould
“Nadia came to us already reading and writing on a college level when she first attended our classes. She studied on her own and was able to pass her tests quickly. We appreciated her positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning! She plans to take a gap year before attending college.”
