BARRE, Vt. (WCAX) – Whether they’ve had this day on their minds for years or months, it’s finally graduation day for the Central Vermont Adult Education class of 2024.
After changing high schools several times, Olivia Mercer left high school and got her GED.
“I thought I wouldn’t have as much support, but CVAE really, really supported me, they kept pushing me, and they would make sure if I fell off they would get me back on track,” said Mercer.
Mercer says she was juggling work and classes, and her leaders at CVAE made earning an education possible through their flexible hours and accommodations.
Mercer and 32 other graduates are now celebrating their accomplishments. 10 grads represented the class at a ceremony at Barre Opera House Wednesday evening. They heard words of encouragement from leaders in their programs and communities, and their families and friends got to sing their praises.
Graduates say they couldn’t have done it without their help. “People were supportive, very friendly, I struggled with it at first, I got into this program after COVID, but since I’m here I think it went pretty well,” said Miguel, one of the
Moving forward, Mercer says now that she has her GED, she’s ready to tackle her next goals and have her career take flight.
“I think that’ll help me with resources and finding more opportunities to becoming what I want, a CNA and a flight attendant, and I think they’ll all be able to help me accomplish that goal as well as this,” said Mercer