Roswell ABE Graduation on 5-13-10

 

Last week we held our yearly event for our ABE GED graduates. We are so proud of them, and wish them the best in whatever road they pick.

A poem to those who succeeded in attaining their dream, that which they thought was never possible.

It Couldn't Be Done

Somebody said that it couldn't be done,
But he with a chuckle replied
That "maybe it couldn't," but he would be one
Who wouldn't say so till he'd tried.
So he buckled right in with the trace of a grin
On his face. If he worried he hid it.
He started to sing as he tackled the thing
That couldn't be done, and he did it. 
by Edgar A. Guest

Congratulations to all our ABE graduates!

BRENDA DANN-MESSIER, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR VOCATIONAL AND ADULT EDUCATION, ADDRESSES COABE IN CHICAGO

Brenda Dann-Messier has an extensive background in the field of adult education. Most recently Dann-Messier served as president of Dorcas Place, an Adult and Family Learning Center in Providence, R.I. Prior to her work at Dorcas Place, Dann-Messier worked at the Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University. Dann-Messier also served in the Clinton administration as the regional representative for Region I in Boston under then-Secretary of Education Richard Riley. Prior to her work at the Department of Education, Dann-Messier directed two TRIO programs, the Rhode Island Educational Opportunity Center (1987-1993) and the Educational Talent Search Program (1991-1993) of the Community College of Rhode Island. Dann-Messier previously served as a member of the Rhode Island Board of Governors for Higher Education and chaired the Academic and Student Affairs subcommittee for the board. She received her B.A. and her M.Ed. from Rhode Island College and her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Johnson and Wales University.

Cheryl Keenan, National Director of Adult Education and Literacy, Addresses COABE Open Forum

Coffee Hour at the Cougar Den

Good Evening,

The Coffee Hour this month started off on an ordinary note. However, after Lorinda and Donna knocked back two cups of premium coffee followed by two cubes of cheese, things began to change. Before long people were chatting amicably and exchanging pleasantries without much prodding. Overall, the company was good and the food was tolerable. For a hump day event it was nice break in the day. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Please join us again for our next coffee hour.

ESL Class Shower

Good Evening,

I'm very proud to be working with a group of creative teachers who know how to mingle learning with social events. Today three of our ESL classes came together to celebrate a wedding shower. As I looked around the room I noticed students whose first languages were Farsi, Thai, Chinese and Spanish. What I find even more amazing is that these students are coming voluntarily. They are not getting college credit. They are coming to learn and improve their language skills. Yes, I'm feeling pretty lucky today. Above are a few pictures of today's event.

ABE Day at the Legislature 2010

ABE Students in the House Gallery

Representative Nick Salazar meets with SFCC ABE student

Senator Nava meets with ABE students and staff members.

Minority Whip Keith Gardner meets with ENMU-Roswell ABE students Leticia and Aracelli.

Wow--all I can say is wow. The ABE Day a the legislature was simply a "wow" day. Not only did approximately 200+ students show up to tour and visit the legislature, but the students also had the opportunity to chat with Lt Governor Diane Denish and several representatives and senators. I'm attaching a few pictures from the ABE Day. It makes me proud to be able to participate in such events.

Here's some more pictures from last Saturday's Professional Development Meeting