The Gateway to College Class of 2018 Sets Sail for a Promising Future

Earlier this summer, QCC’s Gateway to College program held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2018.  Graduates received their high school diplomas though a partnership with Uxbridge High School in front of friends, family, faculty and staff. Attendees listened to several inspiring keynote addresses from classmates; Hannah Cormier, Sarah Burwick and Rebecca Manzano Howard.

The often poignant ceremony was a celebration of the efforts of the 32 students who completed the program. Gateway to College was built on the premise that all students can succeed in college with the right support and opportunities. The students completed their high school graduation requirements by taking classes at QCC, in addition to earning meaningful college credit. The graduating class earned an average of 15-20 college credits while in the program. Over half of the students plan to matriculate at QCC in the fall of 2018 and four others plan to attend a four-year college/university or enter the military.

At the ceremony, QCC’s Gateway to College Program Director Marci Skillings offered words of advice to the new graduates - the largest graduating class to date. “Always believe in yourself and always realize it’s up to you,” she said. “Think big and go out and make it happen. Always remember, it’s up to you.”

President Dr. Luis G. Pedraja told the graduates of his own challenges growing up, stressing the importance of an education. “What you accomplish here will be with you in your life forever. It will open doors for you that you cannot imagine,” he said.

Three graduates told of their own unique struggles, from having a life-altering illness to sporadic homelessness and food insecurity issues. They said Gateway to College became a haven for them.

“If you have a dream that you are passionate about never let anyone tell you otherwise. Keep it close to you and never let it go because one day you will accomplish it,” Ms. Burwick said.

Ms. Manzano-Howard told her fellow classmates, “We must use our stories not as some kind of ‘pity party,’ but as a sign that we have made it through.”

“Gateway gave us a second chance. Today we break a stigma. Today we rise above others expectations of us,” said Ms. Cormier. “This program has taught me about hard work and has shown me what it means to be independent and self-aware.”

Ms. Cormier told of her struggles in high school, the lack of support from teachers, and her dreams that were bigger than the current life she had. “It’s because of Gateway to College that I fell back in love with learning. My grades were growing as was my confidence. Gateway gave me a gift I’ll never be able to describe, but I’ll always be grateful for it,” she added.

Ms. Burwick plans on attending Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts this fall to study psychology, Ms.Cormier will be studying History at Quinsigamond Community College this fall and Ms. Manzano-Howard plans on entering Clark University this fall as a biochemistry major.

Student Choice awards were also presented at the graduation. Each year these student nominated awards are presented to staff and faculty who have gone above and beyond helping the students.  This year’s award recipients were: Ray Anderson, Mark Bates, Patricia LaFountaine, Glenda Rodriquez, Jenna Glazer, Bill McGovern, Andria Schwortz, Emily Vogel, Lisa Whitcomb, Jerry Williams, Robert Yosca and Randeen Zanca.

President’s Awards were presented to graduates at an earlier ceremony. The awards acknowledge those students who had a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher. Students who earned the President’s Award included:

• Alexandra J. Kehoe
• Lindsey M. Lambert
• Rebecca Manzano-Howard
• May Elizabeth Therrien

The Linda Huddle Award was awarded to students who earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Student award recipients included:

• Sarah Nichole Burwick
• Brittney Gilroy
• Starla Feldman
• Ian Mahoney
• Nicole Nolasco Da Cruz
• Peter James Oliveira
• Isabella Piscitelli

Additional Class of 2018 graduates:

• Jezabel Acevedo
• Julie Beth Anderson
• Connor B. Antul
• Quentin P. Brock
• Carley A. Burns
• Hannah Delani Cormier
• Joshua Dauderis
• Edwin Elijah Diaz
• Jeffrey M. Hart
• Kelsie Jones
• John P. Kelley
• Lauren L. Kolonusz
• Casey Kumpey
• Brittany Elizabeth Lazo
• Nelishalis Mercedes
• Julianna Morin
• Alexis Persson-Ortiz
• Abigail Marion Picard
• Bailey Powers
• Antonio Sacchiero
• Ashley Taylor Simones
• Jacquelyn Snell

QCC’s Gateway to College has become a fundamental part of the support services the college offers.The program is designed for students 16-21 years old. Through this program students who have dropped out of high school or are in danger of not graduating, can obtain their high school diploma and earn college credits at the same time. Many graduates go on complete their associate degrees and transfer to four year colleges. This alternative to high school program is offered in partnership with Uxbridge School District.

Visit Gateway to College to learn more.