The seven adult high school graduates show their excitement as they follow the tradition of tossing their hats after receiving their diplomas from the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center. (Photo Courtesy of Madeline Lannin-Cotton) 
Dillon Bibeault (left) of Abington received a high school diploma from the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Damon Rodriquez (right) is also a student in the program and will graduate after one more semester. (Photo courtesy of Madeline Lannin-Cotton) 
Nathan A. Sullivan of Randolph was one of seven graduates to receive a high school diploma from the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center. (Photo courtesy of Madeline Lannin-Cotton) 
Graduate Thaisa Mara Pena of Abington voiced her feelings after receiving her high school diploma from the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center. (Photo courtesy of Madeline Lannin-Cotton) 
Reynaldo DeJesus Suriel Quezada of Rockland was one of seven proud recipients of a high school diploma from the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Madeline Lannin-Cotton)
ROCKLAND — Superintendent Alan Cron is pleased to announce that seven students at the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center were awarded their high school diplomas during an evening ceremony on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 held in Rockland High School auditorium.
Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center Director Valerie Mulready presided over the ceremony and spoke about the perseverance of the adult students in completing the diploma program, an accomplishment made even more difficult because of the shift to online classes this past year due to the pandemic.
“Graduation is a much awaited day because it marks the end of an educational journey and the beginning of a better life and a bright future,” Mulready said. “It marks the culmination of years of hard work and a relentless pursuit of knowledge and will allow the students to embrace new challenges with a sense of achievement and responsibility.”
Rockland Public Schools Assistant Superintendent Colleen Forlizzi also congratulated the seven students and presented each with a diploma. She encouraged the graduates to use their success to plan for the future.
“You have completed your studies while also raising families and working; this year was made especially difficult because of a world-wide pandemic,” said Forlizzi. “Now it’s time to set new goals because you have achieved this one. Continue to grow and learn, whether it’s in a college setting or in the workforce.”
Graduates were invited to say a few words to their parents and friends in the audience with many emphasizing their pride in their accomplishment and offering thanks to their families and teachers.
“I am so happy to be here. I feel so blessed,” said graduate Thaisa Pena of Abington.
“I want to thank my family and my teachers who supported me all the way through,” said Reynaldo de Jesus Suriel Quezada of Rockland.
Randolph resident Nathan Sullivan also thanked the teachers in the program and had a special message: “I want to thank my father for actually being on me and motivating me to accomplish this.”
The Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center graduates include:
Travis Michael Adams
Dillion Hunter Bibeault
Joseph Robert Huntley
Thaisa Mara Pena
Ryan Michael Stewart
Nathan A. Sullivan
Reynaldo de Jesus Suriel Quezada
Students in the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center high school diploma program must complete a comprehensive course of study that includes English, math, science, civics and a Life Skills curriculum. They must also pass the MCAS exams in language arts, math and science if they have not already done so.
The Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center is open to adults from any town on the South Shore of Massachusetts. For more information about the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center, including the 2021-2022 GED course of study, please visit https://www.scalcrockland.org or contact program director Valerie Mulready at vmulready@rocklandschools.org
About the Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center
The Rockland Regional Adult Learning Center is a basic adult education grant program sponsored by the Rockland Public Schools and funded by the Adult and Community Learning Services division of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the South Coastal Workforce Investment Board.
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