Adult Graduates Urged to "Keep an Open Mind" on Road Ahead

For once, Paul Murphy didn't just clean the Winnacunnet High School stage.

He also got to walk across it with his head held high.

Murphy, 50, a beloved school custodian known to students as "Three-Point Paul" because he once hit seven three-point shots in a row, was one of 55 students who graduated Tuesday from Winnacunnet Adult High School. 

The Seabrook resident said he's relished the opportunity to prepare WHS's auditorium and grounds for graduations for the past six years, although he admitted Tuesday's ceremony stood out from other years because it marked the first time he could also be on the receiving end of the preparations.

"It feels really good to be on the other side for a change," said Murphy, who couldn't stop smiling after receiving his diploma Tuesday night.

Murphy was one of many students who completed a long, and sometimes difficult, educational journey Tuesday, which is something Program Director Janis Petrou acknowledged when congratulating the graduates.

Petrou said it was "really a wonderful, wonderful thing" to see each student receive their high school diploma or general equivalency diploma, and in addition to wishing each of them good luck in the next stage of life, Petrou urged them to "be free" and "keep an open mind."

"The decisions that we all make... determines our journey," she said. "However, it's more than that. It's our character, our courage, our passion that defines who we are -- not just a diploma or a certification. This is just part of a journey."

Around 120 people packed the WHS auditorium Tuesday for the graduation, which, unlike most commencements, gave each student a chance in the spotlight.

As the graduates received their diploma or GED from School Administrative Unit 21 Superintendent Robert Sullivan and WHS Principal William McGowan, Petrou shared personal stories and jokes about each student and their dreams -- a personal touch not often found in traditional ceremonies.

Steve Ramette, 18, of Hampton Falls, said the level of caring at the school is one thing that helped get him to graduation and to a position where he can pursue electrical engineering.

Another large contributing factor, he said, was his father's "inspiration" to get away from some of the issues he had at WHS and focus on "getting (his) act together."

"This is the best moment I'll ever have," said Ramette, adding that the moment was possible because of his father's persistence. "There have been a lot of road bumps in the way -- a lot of road bumps -- and I'd say overall it's been one hell of a journey, but well worth it."

In addition to going out and celebrating, many students said they planned to go home after the ceremony and find ways to use their education.

Some said they planned to go to college for nursing, business, sports journalism, music and culinary arts, while others said they plan to enter the military or enroll in cosmetology training.

Kim Desmond, 28, plans to become a mortician, a lifelong goal she said is possible now that she has accomplished what she set out to do: set an example for her two daughters.

Desmond said she dropped out of high school 12 years ago, but recently decided to give it another shot because of her girls.

"I want to show them mommy can still go back and get her high school diploma," Desmond said tearfully after the ceremony. "I wanted to show them that graduating high school is very, very important."

Unfortunately for Murphy, his biggest motivator -- his mother -- wasn't able to attend Tuesday's graduation.

Murphy's mother passed away in March, although Murphy said there was some joy mixed with the grief for that loss Tuesday because he knew his mother could see her son's greatest achievement.

"She's the one that got me to go back to school because one day at the dinner table she told me, 'You're not too old to go back to school,'" said Murphy, who hopes to operate trains for an area transit authority. "If she were here today, I know she would say, 'Paul, I'm proud of you.'"

More information about Winnacunnet's adult education program, which began in 2003, is available on the school's website.