LYNN — Pathways, a program designed to provide high school education to adults, graduated 34 students on the Lynn Commons Thursday evening.
While the graduates, dressed in blue, took their seats near the Gazebo on the Lynn Commons, the children of some ran around, one stopping to hug her father before he took his place in line.
Among those seated in the audience was state Rep. Peter Capano, who said that his brother graduated from Pathways years ago, and that he tries to attend the program’s graduation each year because he values the program’s impact on the community.
“I try to come every year. I don’t know what these students would do if they didn’t have this opportunity to get their basic education — it puts them on a more even playing field. It’s a tremendous program, I’m happy that the state funds it, and I hope to see it expanded,” Capano said.
As Pathways Executive Director Sarah Hesch announced the ceremony’s first speaker, Entrepreneurship for All Executive Director Kat Lawlor, the sound of a low-flying airplane cut through the air.
“The airport’s using this as their landing strip tonight,” Hesch quipped.
In her address to the graduates, Lawlor talked about how starting at Pathways in 2019 has shaped her career in business.
“I’m a single mom with two boys, and I struggled, like many, with housing, and trouble getting a job because I lacked the experience … I would not be where I am now without taking that step like you all have, and the amazing staff at Pathways,” Lawlor said.
When Student Speaker Jhonatan Hernandez took the mic, he said that he had to drop out of high school to support his family in El Salvador. Hernandez advised students in the audience not to quit school, and thanked Pathways for the opportunity to get his General Education Degree.
“For the people who have not finished school, I encourage them to continue and finish. I am grateful to Pathways for giving me the opportunity to finish high school,” Hernandez said.
Hesch called Mayor Jared Nicholson to the podium, where he delivered a speech, first in English, and then again in Spanish. Nicholson said that the students not only achieved something great for themselves, but that they brought the city of Lynn closer to its goal of creating an inclusive environment for skilled workers.
“The city is proud of you, and we’re so excited to be able to celebrate your success here tonight, along with your loved ones,” Nicholson said. “When we think about what we’re doing as a city, I’m really excited about the potential that our city has. I feel just as passionately about the importance of making sure that the folks that are here now have the opportunity to participate and grow with the city so that we can all grow together … you did it while working, you did it while raising a family. You, by doing this, are stepping up in this goal that we have as a city.”
After Hesch presented diplomas to the 34 graduates, they and their families stayed for refreshments and pictures. Passing cars honked in celebration, and some passing pedestrians yelled “congratulations” at the crowd.
“We’re so excited to celebrate with our graduates, they worked so hard, and we have such a wonderful community. Supportive families that make it possible, volunteers, board of directors, staff, they all make it possible, and we’re excited to celebrate all their accomplishments,” Hesch said.
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected].
