Catholic Charities Celebrates 28 HiSET and CareerWorks Graduates

Graduates were honored with citations from Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson

Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson honored 28 HiSET and CareerWorks graduates from Catholic Charities North, sharing remarks and providing the students with mayoral citations on behalf of the city during their graduation ceremony at the Lynn Museum. 

“We have really high aspirations here in the city for our future, and a lot of those aspirations are predicated on connecting people with opportunities that we know are out there,” said Mayor Nicholson. “We are so grateful for the example that you’ve set for yourselves, for your families, for your communities, and for your neighborhoods.”

Holding back tears, HiSET graduate Mikayla Akers, expressed her overwhelming gratitude to the support system she found at Catholic Charities, who helped her excel in her program as a young mother of three living in a shelter.  

“Never in my life have I had anyone believe in me the way these teachers believe in me,” she said. 

The Catholic Charities HiSET (High School Equivalency Test) program prepares students to take the HiSET exam and receive their high school equivalency diploma. The CareerWorks program provides students with training to prepare for careers with growth potential by developing computer technology skills, and by providing access to training for human service and healthcare careers.

“At some point, each one of you decided to commit yourselves to returning to school, with the understanding that it would open new windows of opportunity and exciting possibilities,” stated Kevin M. MacKenzie, President and CEO of Catholic Charities. “This no doubt took a great deal of discipline and courage.”  

“I’m extremely proud of myself,” said Arianna Carneval, a HiSET graduate. “I’m also thankful for all the social services which have been supporting me through my journey and my healing. “The scores I got on my tests have shown me I am smarter than I have ever given myself credit for, and I can do anything I want.”

For more information on Catholic Charities high school equivalency programs, please visit https://www.ccab.org/adult-education-workforce-development/high-school-equivalency-programs/