By Bridget Kahn, Adult Education Director
Photo credit: Gorham Little League

The Gorham Adult Education graduation ceremony took place on the evening of June 15 at the Gorham Middle School auditorium.
This year’s class of ten graduates ranges in ages from 17 to 41. They previously attended schools all over Maine and as far away as Ecuador. Some are parents, some are CNAs, some preparing for college and apprenticeships, and one special pair is mother and son.

For many of GAE’s graduates, their HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) journey may have begun years before in another state or at another adult education program. While stops and starts are not uncommon for adult learners, the courage to come back, to try again, to persevere cannot be overstated.

If it isn’t already clear, adult education is special. These graduates are special. Not one of them was required to come to adult education. Not one of them earned their high school equivalency without a great amount of courage and sacrifice. But they chose to show up for themselves and for their families.

They chose to dedicate their precious time to attending classes twice a week, to studying online for dozens of hours, in order to prepare for five subject tests representing the foundational knowledge in math, science, social studies, and English reading and writing needed for high school equivalency. They did all this while juggling jobs and families, and the many other pressures of adult lives.
The teachers and staff at Gorham Adult Education are so proud of their accomplishments. Congratulations to the Class of 2026!

2026 Graduates
Emma Barr
Leonard Day
Brooke Hall
Mason Landre
Landon Leslie
Savannah Maynard
Charlotte Psiakis
Richard Salvatierra-Ube*
Jayden Szady
Raeleen Theriault
*Class of 2024