On Thursday evening, June 9, 2016, the TRA-Worcester Adult Basic Education (ABE) Program honored five students who passed the Massachusetts High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) and received their High School Equivalency Diplomas! The graduates include: Janissia L. Curet, Radetzky Diaz, Luis A. Ruiz, Juan Valentin, and William O. Walker.
Staff and current students enrolled in ABE and ABE Career Pathways classes joined in the celebration. In a panel format, the graduates shared their personal stories, discussed the strategies they used to achieve their educational goals, and served as role models for current ABE students who eagerly asked the panelists several questions. Students and staff were motivated and inspired by the graduates’ success!
Cynthia Vlasaty, Education & Career Advisor, planned and facilitated the event. She was joined by Doug Daigle, TRA-Worcester Manager; Sydney Ocran, ABE 1 Teacher; M. Theresa Barrett, ABE II Teacher; Michelle Ramirez, ABE III Teacher; and Howard Lucas, ABE Career Pathways Teacher.
Following the panel discussion, staff presented attendance and grade gain award certificates to several students who were present, including: Vida Antwi, Juan Betancourt, Elmarie Camacho, Mark Ferrazano, Robert Howland, Paula Irvine, Nicole Lunger, Juan Manzano, Ali Mohamed, Mary Njenga, Fierra Porchia, Daniel Rodriguez, Luis Ruiz, and Hermite Zamy.
Cake and ice cream concluded the celebration!
The ABE Program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) and the ABE Career Pathways Program is funded by DESE in partnership with the Central Massachusetts Workforce Investment Board and Workforce Central Career Center.
