Graduation 2011

On June 3, forty-seven students representing a host of countries completed their studies in the Norwood-based Adult English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program, which culminated in a memorable graduation ceremony held for them at the Norwood Post 2452 VFW Hall on Dean Street.

In the audience were ESOL Community Partners Ruth Tager from the Norwood Food Pantry; Carl Lavin from the Department of Employment and Training; and Sharon Stoller and Brian McGillicuddy from the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce. Also attending was Kathleen Howell from SABES SE (System for Adult Basic Education Support, Southeast). SABES SE is one of five centers across Massachusetts that provides training and technical assistance to Adult Basic Education programs.

Many students wrote in the graduation program that they sought to enhance their ability to get or keep a good job. Others wanted a more vibrant experience living in this country, one that is really only accessible to those who speak and write English fluently. A Level 3 graduate Galyna Kryvanych of Ternopil, Ukraine, summed it up beautifully in what she wrote about herself in the graduation program. On July 4, 2010, she and her husband came to America. "We have many dreams," she wrote, "and we want to bring them to life...the USA is a place where the dreams come true."