Maya McFadden Photo
Sophia Hines-Bryan received her second high school diploma Tuesday night — this one from her new home country; after immigrating from her native country, Jamaica, exactly one year ago on Tuesday.
Hines-Bryan was one of 35 members of the Class of 2019 to receive General Education Development (GED) diplomas from the Hamden Adult Education Program.
The ceremony, held at Hamden High School, also celebrated the 50 year anniversary of the adult ed program, which has graduated more than 2,300 students since its start.
Many students said the program offered them a second chance at pursuing their dreams. For Hines-Bryan that meant having both an American high school diploma and a Jamaican one.
“I didn’t know much about this country, so it was a good first step for me to go to school to learn about it,” said Hines-Bryan.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro.
The program’s guest speaker, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro, recognized the graduate’s triumphs and hard work.
“My promise to all of you is to continue my fight to further provide resources to adult education,” said DeLauro.
Hamden Mayor, Curt Leng announced to the graduates, faculty, and family members in the audience that May 28 will officially be named in Hamden as Adult Education Day in honor of the 50-year celebration.
Sophia Hines-Bryan: “Now that I have my GED I can go forward and get the job I want.”
Hines-Bryan finished the program in just about nine months. Some graduates needed more time; they said that they had to balance studying for the program daily, working full-time, and raising children.
Brittany Cosenza, 22, started her journey at Hamden Adult Education in 2014 while pregnant, with a newfound ambition to further her education.
“I need a future and a way to provide for my son,” said Consenza.
Nearly six years later, Consenza has succeeded in getting her GED and plans to take Red Cross training courses to become a registered nurse (RN).
Hamden Schools Superintendent Jody Goeler called the graduates role models. “Your grit and determination inspires me,” he said.
Carl Mungiguerra Jr., coordinator, is honored for 50 years of work at Hamden Adult Education.
After the conferring of diplomas, three scholarships were presented to a total of ten graduates to help further their education beyond high school.
Four students received the Liberty Bank Scholarship, one student received the Ellen C. Thompson Scholarship Award, and five students received an award from the Hamden Adult Education Scholarship Fund.
A former faculty member of Hamden Adult High Schol, Mary Mitchell, shared a poem she wrote dedicated to the Class of 2019, a commencement tradition she has been continuing for the past few years.
“Here on this date, we are celebrating two successful dreams / One providing fifty years of service to those seeking further education / The other personified by each of tonight’s happy graduates,” read a section of the poem.