Hannah Simpson, Exercise Science: “It’s led to a lot of goals being achieved. When I first came to school here, I really wanted to graduate within two years… and with summer classes and winter classes, I was able to graduate on time, which is very exciting for me.” Simpson will transfer to Springfield College as a junior to study Applied Exercise Science.

Tisha Carey and her grandson, Carlos, Human Services: “It took me 20 years before I could get this degree… I had to put all my kids through school first and now that my youngest is going to graduate next year, I was able to go back to school and finish, so it means a lot.” After graduation, Carey will continue to Charter Oak State College to study Social Work.

Hannah Case, Psychology: “Personally, I struggled with anxiety and had a hard time going to high school, so it’s a great feeling to be able to go to school and not worry about my anxiety. I can go and just enjoy my education.” Case is transferring to Eastern Connecticut State University to finish her Psychology degree and hopes to help kids who had problems like she did in school.

Emmet Dickinson, Exercise Science: “Honestly, it just shows my hard work and dedication, but it’s not the end. I still have a long way to go. It’s really a benchmark of what I have in store for the next few years.” Dickinson will be pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Eastern Connecticut State University hopes to become a physical therapist specializing in student athletes.

Akilah Hinds, Human Services major with Certificate in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Counseling: “It means everything for me. I’ll be the first one in my entire family to graduate from college. I have six brothers, two sisters, and I am the only one who will have graduated college. Not even my parents or grandparents did, so it’s going to be an emotional moment, but an achievable one.” Hinds will be going to Charter Oak State College to complete her bachelor’s degree in social work and hopes to become an Addiction Services Counselor.

Hayden Lundberg, Business Administration: “It means a lot because I’m in my thirties now and the older I get… I always felt like I was losing the race. “This was a great experience I had, and honestly, I didn’t have one negative thing to say about any of my professors. The students and everyone around have been so helpful and I’m excited for what the future has in store!” Lundberg now aspires to pursue a business career.

Jacob Roman, History: “Growing up where I came from its kind of a miracle in a way that I made it this far, but I do hard work… I am determined to make a better like for myself and I’ve made it to this point. So, it feels really good!” Roman will be transferring over to Central Connecticut State University in the Fall to pursue a dual-major in History and English.

Isaiah Spooner, Criminology: “I hope this will give me a better chance at law enforcement. I’m very proud… The campus has been fun and enjoyable to learn from.” Spooner will be transferring to Central Connecticut State University and strives to get into law enforcement after finishing his bachelor’s degree in criminology.