Adult education program celebrates graduate

The path to a high school diploma isn’t the same for everyone. For those, like Amber Beaulieu, who weren’t able to graduate in a traditional high school model, our Manchester Adult High School is a good option to earn a diploma.

Beaulieu’s path to graduation finished with a ceremony late last month, with Superintendent Jenn Gillis officially presenting her with a diploma. The new graduate, who had her young daughter and parents with her, explained why the program was a good fit for her.

“Manchester Adult High School helped me be able to still be a mother, do my schoolwork on my own time,” Beaulieu said, “and still finish and graduate without having to worry about being late on an assignment or a test.”

The Manchester School District adult education program operates year-round, and is open to any New Hampshire resident 18 or older who wishes to earn a high school diploma. Coursework for the program takes place online, but the school has two staff members, Principal Rob Kleiman and Nancy Reilly who provide support for students.

“They gave me the freedom and encouragement to do it and want to do it because I was not being forced,” Beaulieu said. “The support that I got along the way from the principal and the teacher made it all possible for me to finish. When you have people who care it makes a huge difference.”

Superintendent Gillis said she was honored to be a part of Beaulieu’s celebration.

“I was so happy to be there and see her joy for earning her diploma,” Gillis said. “That diploma is a big accomplishment, and she should be very proud. Our goal as educators is to prepare students for life after school, whether that means college, career or service. We wish Amber the best of luck in whatever comes next – I’m just happy this program helped play a part in getting her to this point.”

You can read more about adult education programs in New Hampshire at https://www.nhadulted.org/.