Boothbay Region Adult and Community Education (BRACE) graduated nine students June 10 in the Boothbay Region High School library. Commencement was moved from Barrett’s Park due to rain. Over 50 friends, family members and administrators gathered in honor of the students' achievement of their high school equivalency.

BRACE director Rachelle (Raye) Leonard's opening remarks told her story of overcoming academic struggles,showing it’s never too late to achieve educational goals, and emphasizing that programs such as BRACE provide second chances and how adult education can lead to significant personal and professional transformation. Alternative Organizational Structure 98 Superintendent Robert Kahler said his father graduated through adult education a long time ago, and it "made a huge difference to him" and led him to stress the value of education.

New this year, BRACE has expanded to include students in Wiscasset. Also new, the program has created two awards to be distributed annually: The Persistence in High School Completion Award and The Boothbay Region Adult and Community Education Lifelong Learner Award. The persistence award is for exceptional determination and resilience in earning the high school equivalency through the HiSET program, and overcoming life challenges to achieve their academic goals. Two recipients were recognized for their consistent effort and perseverance despite obstacles: Teal Beavis of Southport and Nevaeh Thiboutot of Wiscasset. The lifelong learner award went to Georgia Mae Brewer of Trevett, recognizing a journey marked by academic achievement and a profound dedication to personal growth and intellectual curiosity.

Wendoline Juarez of Wiscasset was student speaker. She spoke of how the support from her teachers was crucial in overcoming obstacles and reaching her goal of graduating in 2025. To her, the achievement is a personal victory, a tribute to her family, and a source of inspiration for her younger siblings. 

The graduates are Beavis, Brewer, Scott Allen Hanna of Alna, Kerry Heald of Wiscasset, Perseus Aries Hood of Brunswick, Wendoline Yamilite Juarez of Wiscasset, Elizabeth Ann Pearce of Boothbay, Joel S. Spinney of Newcastle, and Thiboutot. Each received their diploma and, in unison, the graduates moved their tassels from right to left. After the celebration, friends and family members clustered to take photos and offer congratulations before having refreshments.

Adult education instructors Tanya Thibault and Ingrid Merrill attended the celebration. Margit Ahlin was unable to attend. BRACE offers high school completion, career and college advising, workforce preparation, and enrichment courses to adults in the AOS 98 School District and beyond. For more information, visit www.boothbayae.maineadulted.org