Friends and supporters of Central Lincoln County Adult Education students came together at Skidompha Public Library on Thursday, June 19 to recognize and honor this year’s Adult Education graduates.

The attending graduates for 2013-14 were Sabryna Burns of Alna, Samuel Margaritis of Newcastle, and Marina Mayberry of Damariscotta. Other graduates who did not attend the ceremony are John Braley of Damariscotta, Casey Hanna of New Harbor, Tyler James of Damariscotta, Opal Keith of Nobleboro, Kaitlyn Kelley of Damariscotta, Todd Kelley of Damariscotta, Sarah McLain of Damariscotta, Ciara Salerno of Bristol and Zachary Smith of Nobleboro.

Adult Education Director Ellen Dickens welcomed guests and introduced each graduate. She also offered the graduates congratulations and urged them to keep moving forward in their education by taking advantage of the Lincoln County College Connection (TLC3) College Transitions program. “It is becoming more evident that a high school diploma or equivalency is no longer enough to secure better paying jobs,” Dickens said. She stated that each graduate had the potential to go on to college and hoped they would utilize the services offered by TLC3.

Dickens then presented Vicki Fleury of Damariscotta with the Adult Education Literacy Persistent Learner Certificate. Marina Mayberry was acknowledged for receiving the highest cumulative score of all the other graduates.

Afterwards, College Transitions instructor Elizabeth Potter spoke and read excerpts from a student’s literary essay on Emily Dickinson’s poem “Success is Counted Sweetest.” The essence of both the poem and the essay are that success is far sweeter to those who have tasted defeat.

The sentiment seemed both poignant and powerful as AOS 93 School Superintendent Steven Bailey presented diplomas to each of the graduates in attendance: Burns, Margaritis, and Mayberry. Prior to giving out diplomas Bailey offered his congratulations to this year’s graduates and initiated a standing ovation. He cited statistical data that “those who learn more, earn more” and are also more likely to give back to their communities.

Immediately following the ceremony, students and guests stayed for a reception hosted by the Central Lincoln County Adult Education Advisory Board.