The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
12 graduate Madison County Reads Ahead
The May 23ceremony marked the culmination of hard work from the graduates and their tutors.
CHITTENANGO, N.Y. » There were many jubilant faces at the May 23 graduation ceremony for the Madison County Reads Ahead program, held at the Sullivan Free Library in Chittenango.
Caps and gowns, f lowers and cake set the stage to celebrate the hard work of the local high school equivalency diploma grads. Seven of this year’s 12 new graduates were able to attend the ceremony, but family, tutors and friends grew the crowd to more than 60.
Each adult had a different story about their path to this point, but each story ended in joy and success.
One student had taken the test several times before passing all five of the subjects; however, she persisted and it paid off. She never stopped smiling.
As they received their recognition and diploma frame, each graduate was asked to share what this accomplishment meant. One gentleman said he started to write a book about the journey and asked the room if they wanted to hear. He then read his own words to the crowd’s enjoyment.
Children waited to have their pictures taken with their parents, proud to share in their achievement and unknowingly receiving the gift of the importance of education in their own lives. Several tutors were also in the audience to celebrate with their learners. They were thrilled
Each adult had a different story about their path to this point, but each story ended in joy and success.
to see the results of their dedication and time, wanting this moment almost as much as the learners themselves.
John Salka, Brookfield Town Supervisor and recently retired head of Respiratory Therapy at Hamilton Community Hospital, was the speaker for graduation. He shared his unique story about his journey to a high school equivalency diploma; knowing what this moment meant to each graduate.
If you would like to become a volunteer tutor or are interested in earning your high school equivalency, contact Tara Truett at 315- 345-1468 or ttruett@gmail.com.