Washington County Passages Students Earn Their High School Diploma

Wayfinder Schools is pleased to announce the Washington County, Passages Class of 2016.

"This time of year we all feel the excitement and joy as our Passages students put the final touches on their school work and prepare to graduate,” says Passages Program Director Martha Kempe. “This may not seem like such a big milestone, but for Passages students it is a true journey that may not have happened, when they first learned that they were to be parents at such a young age. Their determination and desire to make a better life for themselves and their children is what we at Passages get to observe firsthand. These young parents are pretty amazing.  We could not be prouder of what they have accomplished!”

Graduating student Samantha Leighton of Baileyville says, “I've been able to prove to my children and to myself that no matter what life throws at you, you can work through it. Passages honestly saved not only my future, but my children’s future also.”

    Passages is a home-based high school diploma program for young parents residing in  Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, Cumberland, York and Washington Counties established in 1994. It pairs teacher with students who receive personalized instruction in their own homes, allowing them to earn their diplomas at their own pace while raising their children. Passages students receive instruction in 24 core skill area related to academics, parenting and life skills development, including everything from social studies and language arts to budgeting, nutrition and child development.

In addition to personalized instruction, students participate in  group workshops with other young parents and their children, perform volunteer work and must complete a final graduation project, or Passage to graduate. Recent Passages graduation projects have included studying small engine repair, starting a photography business and researching nursing schools. This year 22 students will graduate from across Maine, eight right here in Washington County!  

“Passages and Wayfinder Schools has really made me realize that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to,” says Roger Brown, Jr. of Eastport. “They set me up so I could finish school and create something of myself. It has brought me great opportunity and I took full advantage of it. I’ll always have a high school diploma thanks to Wayfinder Schools.”

This year’s graduation ceremony will be held at the Dennysville Congregational  Church Parish Hall, Saturday, June 4 at 1:00 p.m. For more information about the Washington County Passages Program, please contact Fern Hilyard at 255-1468 or visit www.wayfinderschools.org.