A diploma is just the beginning: 53rd class graduates from Laconia Adult Education program

LACONIA — Staff, friends and family members gathered in the cafeteria at the Huot Career and Technical Center Thursday night to honor this year’s group of graduates of the Laconia Adult Education program. 

Nearly 70 people packed the room in celebration of the achievements of the 29 students comprising this year’s graduating class. Since 1972 — Thursday marked the 53rd class — the program has supported educational growth among students of all ages.

The Laconia Adult Education program comes in two parts: the Laconia Academy Diploma program, meant to help students earn those last few high school credits needed to graduate; and the High School Equivalency Certificate, or HiSET, which is similar to the General Educational Development, or GED, credential. 

Students honored Thursday night represented both programs. Kaitlyn Salome, director of Laconia Adult Education, said “every student has a different path” to earning their credential.

Members of the school board, including Vice Chair Jennifer Anderson, Laura Dunn (Ward 2) and Karin Salome (Ward 3), joined Interim Superintendent Amy Hinds behind the podium.

“Today marks a significant milestone in your journey toward success. You did it and I couldn’t be prouder. It’s a joy to see you here, surrounded by family and friends, celebrating this remarkable achievement. You’ve demonstrated resilience, determination and commitment to achieving your goals,” Kaitlyn Salome said. “As you celebrate this achievement, remember, this is just the beginning of your bright future. Keep striving, keep believing in yourself and never forget the incredible potential you possess.

“When there have been obstacles in your way, you’ve overcome them. What you have learned from that is the journey in life is not an easy one, but like you have overcome obstacles in the past and completed your high school diploma or equivalency, you will overcome other obstacles in your way in the future,” Kaitlyn Salome said. “I also want you to know, learning is a journey and a high school diploma is a stepping stone, but not the final destination. Learning continues to take place for all our lives — sometimes that learning is formal, such as the classes you completed, or sometimes it is informal, such as life experiences or a job. Either way, do not look at this diploma as the end, but rather a step towards more learning.”

Gina McGuire, founder of the Bod Squad, is a local and national presenter on wellness topics. She was invited to be the guest speaker at the event, and told the crowd their achievement was fortuitous: June 5 was National Start Over Day.

McGuire told graduates they’re joining an elite class: Jay-Z, Jim Carey, Chris Rock, Eminem, Christina Applegate, Mark Wahlberg, Katy Perry, Paris Hilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger achieved high school-equivalent credentials, just to name a few. 

“The harder you work, the more luck you have. You’ve worked hard and, on this National Start Over Day, you’ve done this for you. No one was prodding you along and telling you to show up — you did this for you, and that is everything. That is every single thing,” McGuire said. “That’s one of the things we learn in ‘Earth school’, right? We learn other things in ‘school school,’ but we learn that we have to show up for ourselves.”

McGuire led graduates through a series of call-and-response affirmations in what she called the "new serenity prayer”.

“Grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change,” the group chanted in unison. “The courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know it’s me.”