Sanford Community Adult Education celebrated its Class of 2025 graduation ceremony on Wednesday, June 11th, marking a milestone achievement with over 30 graduates —their largest class in five years. The evening brought together families, friends, educators, and community members to honor the perseverance and dedication of students who refused to give up on their educational dreams.
The ceremony opened with a performance of the national anthem by graduate Isabella Verissiomo. Superintendent Matt Nelson welcomed attendees and praised the graduates for their "toughness"—not physical strength, but the resilience to overcome obstacles and bounce back from setbacks.
"Your experience at SCAE has helped you build that toughness and move toward your goals," Nelson told the graduates. "Everyone has a story and has taken a different path. Be proud that your story is the result of taking action."
Three graduates shared their personal journeys with the audience. Tyler Phillips spoke about returning to education, crediting the supportive SCAE staff for helping him succeed. "To be honest, when I started here, I wasn't sure that I could make it work," Phillips admitted. "There was so much reading at first. I knew it had to be done, so eventually I did it." He encouraged his fellow graduates. "Being here today was not an overnight thing for any of us. We showed up, we put the work you needed to make this happen."
Verissiomo dedicated her achievement to her son Grayson. "I want him to know that every goal is achievable and every thing you put your mind to is very possible."
The evening's final student speaker, Kelly McLean, demonstrated that it's truly never too late to pursue your dreams. Describing her determination to complete her education after an 18-year journey, "I never gave up," McLean shared. "I kept reassuring myself with the help of family and friends and amazing staff that I could do it." Now 36, she fulfilled a promise to her sons to graduate before or with them—achieving her diploma just a week after her eldest son graduated from Sanford High School. "As a Sanford graduate at 36 years old, I can definitely say anything is possible.”
The ceremony also featured a special presentation by Elias Thomas from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club, who honored Director Jayne Perkins with the Paul Harris Fellow award for her exceptional community service and dedication to education. The ceremony also recognized outstanding achievement, with Tyler Phillips receiving the Student of the Year award for his exceptional dedication and leadership. Several graduates received $500 scholarships from the Sanford-Springvale Rotary Club and free course scholarships from the University of Maine at Augusta, providing pathways for continued education.
To conclude the ceremony, Perkins challenged graduates with her father's words: "Go do good things." She reminded them that graduation isn't an ending but a beginning, encouraging them to continue growing, learning, and lifting others as they climb.