The city’s Office of Adult and Continuing Education held its graduation ceremony June 19 at its headquarters, at 142-10 Linden Blvd. in Jamaica, celebrating 42 students, right, who completed their high school diploma courses, proving it’s never too late to continue one’s education.
OACE has offered free GED and ESL classes for decades, scheduling courses around the demands of working adults and parents. Summer classes run July 7 through Aug. 14; one may call (718) 558-2046 for more information.
Corrinne Bailey, center, addressed the grads directly after Constance Nelson kicked off the ceremony by welcoming parents, relatives and supporters.
“You have worked hard for this moment,” Bailey said, urging them to keep up their studies and remain mindful of each other and their community, according to Dhanpaul Narine, at left center, a teacher who recounted the evening to the Chronicle.
Narine lauded OACE support staff, including Case Manager Carlisa Vanable, members of the data collection team and testing coordinator Tamantha Wallace.
“Special mention should be made to the teachers and supervisors who dedicate their time for the success of the students,” Narine said.
The ceremony featured an Indian classical dance performance by Rani Persaud, along with engaging poems by Samaya Shivprasad and Maxine Bernard. Attorney Richard Celestine, introduced by James Pressey of OACE, delivered the keynote address.
Awards for student achievement were presented to Melissa David, Salutatorian Nyel La Bastide, Saski Stoll, Valedictorian Maria Cabrera, Diana Persaud Chatoorang, Candice Martinez and Ishmael Thomas.
La Bastide praised OACE for giving adults a second chance and singled out Narine for his patience in breaking down complex concepts. Cabrera, a mother of a 3-month-old, spoke about refusing to let life’s challenges derail her success.
The ceremony’s most touching moment came when father and son Nigel and Nyel La Bastide, at left with Narine, both received diplomas and a special award.
Principal Sabrina Fleming, top center, told graduates their success was earned through hard work and that she looked forward to hearing great things from the class of 2026.
— Kristen Guglielmo