LYNN – The adult education and training program Pathways celebrated this year’s graduates on Thursday at the Common’s gazebo.

This year’s ceremony included 64 graduating students, from whom 37 adult learners attained their High School Equivalency Test and General Education Development credentials, and another 27 completed level 4 of Pathways’ English for Speakers of Other Languages program (ESOL).

According to Executive Director Josh Shepherd, this is the 47th year Pathways has been open in the city and this was its 43rd graduation. Pathways’ curriculum is approved and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the average age of students is 34 years old.

Board President Joseph Phillips held the welcoming address in the graduation ceremony that began at 5:30 p.m.. Mayor Jared Nicholson was the keynote speaker, Samantha Riley was the student speaker and Executive Director Josh Shepherd presented the certificates to the graduates of 2024.

Most students in the program have children, families, multiple jobs or other life activities that can sometimes stop adults from going back to school. 

“Determined adults from Lynn and the North Shore come to Pathways to improve their lives and the lives of their families,” Shepherd said. “With their HiSET or improved English, we help them get into college or a training program that leads to better pay and a better life for themselves, their families and our community,” Shepherd added. 

This year over 400 students participated in classes at Pathways. Pathways is a top-ranked DESE funded program.

Sidnee Short contributed to this article.