Addressing the Haliburton Adult and Alternative Education Centre’s class of 2025, Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) superintendent Jay MacJanet said he has a lot of respect for the obstacles mature learners often overcome.
“It’s truly an honour to celebrate the achievements of this graduating class… you’ve weathered assignments, paced projects, and survived a random but significant ice storm to get here. You’ve shown resilience and heart, so today is your day,” MacJanet said.
“One of the things I love about coming to these graduations is hearing all the personal stories, about the journey and the challenges you’ve overcome. The skills you need to navigate through life take perseverance to refine. You’ve stayed focused on your goal, so let me congratulate you as you step into your next chapter,” he added.
Twelve of this year’s 19 graduates piled into McKeck’s in Haliburton June 25 to mark the latest step in their educational journey.
Among them was Joslyn Balson, who gave the graduate address, saying this year’s class have different reasons for being in adult ed – some had young children to raise, others needed to work to support their families, while a few grappled with devastating loss.
Pointing to her classmates, she said they’re all living proof that the adult ed system works.
“When education adapts to the needs of students, everyone can succeed,” Balson said. “Success shouldn’t be limited to people within the mainstream environment. Our graduation today proves that when education is flexible and meets people where they are, it makes a huge difference.”
Haliburton adult ed teacher Lori Sargent paid tribute to all graduates, though reserved special praise for Hozayfa Wiso, a Syrian refugee who, after several years of work and learning, finally earned his high school diploma.
Wiso landed in the program with a limited knowledge of English but now converses with clients and staff with ease at his job at Curry Chevrolet Buick GMC. She said he started there as a co-op student, which turned into paid employment and, now, an apprenticeship.
“Your charm and hard work win people over… you’ve had a tough life, but we’re really proud of you and what you’ve accomplished,” Sargent said.
