HOULTON, Maine — A group of 16 individuals received their diplomas Thursday evening in front of friends and family during a commencement exercise held at the Houlton Higher Education Center.
“Walking into this building and down the hall to the classrooms, study lounges, computer rooms you have encountered many things,” said Tracy Rockwell, director for the HHEC. “You’ve encountered excitement, nervousness and disappointment. You have also encountered support from faculty, staff and fellow students.”
Otis Smith, director of adult education, served as the guest speaker for the evening and encouraged the graduates to “think local” when weighing their options for the future and to focus energy on the positive aspects of their lives.
“The big picture of your life may not be as perfect as you want it to be,” he said. “We all have things in our lives that is hindering us, but if we focus on [the positives], the big picture can be a thing of beauty.”
Receiving degrees from UMPI were: Kerriann Estabrook Farris, bachelor’s degree in elementary education; Jacob Henderson, bachelor’s degree in history; Heather LaFontaine, bachelor’s degree in chemistry; Christopher Philips, bachelor’s degree in business; Susan Sewall, bachelor’s degree in early childhood education; Christopher Staples, bachelor’s degree in environmental studies; Carlie Woodworth, bachelor’s degree in environmental studies; and Michael Jewell, associate degree in liberal studies.
Graduates from UMA were: Casey Barton, Stacy Greenleaf, Melony Lowery and Kimberly McGillicuddy, each with a bachelor’s degree in mental health and human services; and Olivia Nickerson, Jaqueline Spencer and Shasta Shields, each with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Bernadette Farrar earned her master’s degree in adult and higher education from the University of Southern Maine.
