BHCC Celebrates Adult Basic Education Student Achievement

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

On Saturday, June 17, in historic Bellingham Square, Chelsea, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) returned to its former Chelsea Campus to celebrate the students completing their coursework in the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. BHCC President Pam Eddinger and Alice Murillo, Associate Provost of BHCC’s Chelsea Campus, welcomed family members, guests, faculty and staff to the celebration in recognition of the 231 students and their achievements.

female student receives diploma from Toni and president eddinger

This year marks the twenty-second anniversary of the ABE initiative, which is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The celebrated students have completed adult education programs in basic skills; Spanish and English GED; English literacy; transitions; and Health-focused programs in English, math, student success and technology. Prominent Chelsea City representatives Leo Robinson, President and Councilor At-Large of Chelsea City Council, and Alberto Calvo, Chelsea Chamber of Commerce Representative, were in attendance.

Chelsea City Manager Thomas G. Ambrosino was featured as the keynote speaker. He commended the recipients, most of whom are immigrants to the U.S., for their dedication to their education. “Education is the great equalizer in the society,” he said. “It is education that is going to enable you to accomplish all of those dreams that you hold dearest to your heart—not just dreams for yourself, but for your entire family, and for your children.” He advised the students to savor their accomplishments today, and to apply their achievements towards continuing to expand their education.

Elizabeth Rodriguez and Lydwyne Narentz Delcy were selected as the student speakers and each addressed their fellow classmates. Rodriguez, who completed the GED program and successfully passed the HiSet exam in May, spoke of the importance of returning to school despite various challenges and setbacks. She now plans to continue her education and pursue a career as a dental hygienist.

Delcy, having successfully completed the Healthcare Careers Pathway program, told of her plans to start classes this summer on her path to one day becoming a registered nurse. “The road ahead is not going to be easy, but I am certain that I have the academic foundation to succeed,” she said.

The attendees of the celebration also heard remarks from Toni Borge, Senior Special Programs Coordinator of Adult Basic Education and Transitions to College Programs at BHCC. Borge, who has worked in the ABE program for more than 20 years, congratulated both students and faculty members for their achievements.

View more photos along with the event program with graduates’ names on the Ceremony Highlights page.