The West Hartford Adult Education program held a celebration for students who earned a National External Diploma, ESL students, and new U.S. citizens.

Mayor Shari Cantor (from left) with new U.S. citizens Ju Jiang, Thi Su Nguygn, and Van Chuong Doan, and Director of Adult Education Shelley Solomon. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

By Caren Dickman

Superintendent Paul Vicinus said it best. “Tonight, we celebrate more than the completion of coursework – we celebrate persistence, courage and transformation. Each one of you has taken a bold step to invest in yourselves, in your future, often balancing jobs, families and countless responsibilities along the way.” 

The West Hartford Adult Education’s second annual End of Year Celebration held in West Hartford’s Town Hall on April 30, 2025, paid tribute to students who earned their National External Diploma, adults who are learning the English language, students with perfect attendance and, notably, students who became United States citizens this year. Students celebrated by sharing food from their native countries.

Mayor Shari Cantor with Thi Su Nguygn. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

Mayor Shari Cantor congratulated the three students who became U.S. citizens this past year. “It takes incredible strength and courage to leave your birth country to make a better life. You’ve had to learn a new language and meet all of the requirements to become a citizen. Each of you has an incredible story. It is the story of the United States of America. We are a country of immigrants where all people are created equal.”

West Hartford Adult Education’s ESL Program Director, Shelley Solomon, praised all of the students and their accomplishments. “I am new to the world of adult education but have been very moved by our students’ dedication and determination to learn English, to get a high school diploma and to find meaningful work.” 

Mayor Shari Cantor congratulates the new U.S. citizens. Courtesy photo

The National External Diploma Program awarded diplomas to seven graduates. This diploma is not the same as earning a GED (General Education Diploma). It is a diploma that testifies that the student is a graduate of West Hartford Public Schools. The NEDP is a rigorous, nationally recognized high school diploma option for people with full-time schedules. It is a web-based program that can be started any time. Ninety percent (90%) nationwide complete and pursue their career and/or academic goals for employment/training and/or attending college. The program includes tasks for in-demand career and lifelong experiences in financial, health, civic, geography, history, science, and 21st century workplace literacy. 

Lead Assessor Pamela Pernal with graduates (from left) Dare Gama, Karla Figueroa, Marcella Syms, Jersson Segura, and Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Courtesy photo

Pamela Pernal, lead assessor and advisor, remarked that the persistence of all her students makes each one notable. “Most students complete the program in one to two years, others may take longer due to family and work schedules. Only four of the graduates were able to attend tonight’s ceremony due to work schedules or other commitments.”

Tong Nie shares her ESL success story. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

Graduate Dare Gama’s experience is a testament to persistence. Dare came to the United States from Tibet to become a translator. First, she had to learn English to pass the NEDP entrance test. Her writing skills were not strong enough to pass the entrance exam so two years in a row she failed. During this time she continued her ESL classes with West Hartford’s Adult Ed Program to improve her writing, speaking and reading skills. “I told myself not to give up,” she said. Dare’s persistence finally paid off in 2023 when she tried a third time and passed the entrance test. Today, Dare is very proud, happy, and excited to receive her diploma.

“I want to thank the West Hartford ESL and NEDP Programs for giving me a safe place to learn English and get a high school diploma. Because of these two programs I had the chance to learn English and improve my speaking and listening skills.”

Dare is a customer service associate at Whole Foods now but she wants to be a translator in a hospital or research laboratory. She holds a bachelor’s degree in translation from the Central University of Nationality in China. 

Superintendent Paul Vicinus with NEDP graduate Dare Gama. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

Tong Nie directed her message to all of the students in the West Hartford Adult Education Program. She began the program three years ago when she was a cake decorator in a supermarket. Her teacher, Joe Viola, not only helped her learn English, he supported her as she faced a very difficult work situation. That experience helped her understand the importance of learning the language and the culture so she can protect and stand up for herself.

Today, Tong is a real estate agent. “I’m very happy that I can now use English confidently, thanks to the steady progress I’ve made through studying with Joe. I’m truly thankful for the ESL program and for everyone who has helped me on this journey.”

Executive Director of Equity Advancement Theresa Rangel with
Ju Jiang, who was recognized for perfect attendance, and her children. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

Theresa Rangel, executive director of Equity Advancement, awarded certificates to six ESL students who achieved perfect attendance this year along with juggling family, work, and school responsibilities.

West Hartford Adult Education’s Program is composed of the NEDP Program, the GED Program, and the ESL (English as a Second Language) Program. It has served over 265 students this year who come from over 40 countries worldwide, live or work in West Hartford, and attend classes in the program to learn English. Some of those countries include Afghanistan, Brazil, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Greece, Peru, and Ukraine.

Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus speaks at the celebration. Photo credit: Caren Dickman

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