There were a total of 24 individuals who graduated Tuesday night. For the year, there were 33 area residents who achieved their GED diploma and another 17 graduates from the pre-GED level class to the GED preparation level. (Photo submitted)
WESTFIELD – Over 2,000 years ago, it was the Greek philosopher Aristotle who said “The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.”
On Tuesday night in the Reed Room of the Westfield Athenaeum, the latest 24 graduates of the Westfield Community Education program tasted that sweet fruit of education, graduating from the program with their General Educational Development, or GED, diplomas, as well as several students who obtained pre-GED diplomas.
In it’s fifth year of operation, this grassroots organization has successfully helped over over 100 students earn their GED diplomas, enabling them to take steps necessary to achieving more fulfilling lives, whether it be higher education at a college or university, a trade school or the military.
With an additional 40 students currently enrolled in various stages of study, coupled with a success rate of around 80 percent, the program has come a long way from it’s initial launch in 2008.
“We were approached by then-Mayor (Michael) Belanger and he asked, ‘can you do anything?'” said Ann Lentini of Domus Inc., an organization which offers affordable housing to low and moderate income families, the homeless, and the mentally and physically disabled in nine housing buildings around the city.
Families and friends attended Tuesday night’s GED graduation ceremony at the Reed Room of the Westfield Athenaeum. (Photo submitted)
Teaming up with an assembled board of city officials, educators, and social workers, the Westfield Community Education program began moving forward, receiving it’s first donation of $3,500 from Stop N’ Shop supermarkets.
Since then the group has partnered with an army of local donors including The Beveridge Family Foundation, The Westfield Bank Future Fund, the Kiwanis Club of Westfield, and Babson Capital, who provided a fully functional computer lab for the course in the Domus-owned Sanford apartments.
Aside from funds received from the city of Westfield’s City Development Block Grant (CDBG), the program receives no funding from the state or federal government, a fact which Chris Lindquist of the Westfield Athenaeum and the program’s advisory board take great pride in.
“We are able to stretch a dollar like you wouldn’t believe,” Lindquist said, “But the Athenaeum is able to provide classroom space for the program, which has expanded to include pre-GED courses, as well as English as a Second language courses.”
When asked of the group’s philosophy, Lindquist didn’t hesitate.
“To give students the opportunity to consider challenges and pull themselves up by their bootstraps,” he said. “We provide them with the incentive and the motivation to continue their education.”
Ken White, the Dean of Community Services at Holyoke Community College, and Mark Styspeck of Westfield Community Education serve as the instructors for the GED and pre-GED courses, and are assisted by volunteer tutors such as Noel Stella, who says that the question ‘what is the best part of the experience for you?’ is a rather easy one to answer.
“Watching students bring their families and kids to this ceremony,” she said with tears welling in her eyes, “To see these students make huge efforts, many who have been out of organized education for awhile, to come to class several nights a week, even with family and work commitments, it’s amazing. I leave here every week in great spirits.”
Ken White concurs.
“The program has been overwhelmingly accepted,” he said, “It gives students a chance at a different life.”
Having lived in western Massachusetts for over 30 years after graduating from Springfield College, the Milford native has seen it all in his years as an educator but finds this program among the most fulfilling in his memory.
“Many of our students lack role models growing up. Many go through family strife,” he said, “which is what holds them back in school. We’re really proud of them for taking this second chance at life.”
Perhaps the most affirming testimony of the program’s worth was made by Kandi Smith, a Westfield native who received her pre-GED diploma yesterday.
“It means a lot to be able to step up here and achieve this,” she said, clutching the small dictionary she received as a graduation present from the program. “I hope everyone who can do the program will do it.”
As the ceremony came to a close, many hugs and handshakes were exchanged between faculty and student, hugs and handshakes that were perhaps the most fulfilling and meaningful those involved had ever experienced.
It’s safe to say that, had he been there, Aristotle himself would’ve been proud of those students at the Athenaeum Tuesday night.
