Boothbay-Wiscasset Regional Adult Education celebrated the graduation of two adults who completed the High School Equivalency Tests (HiSET, formerly GED) at its Wiscasset office in a ceremony May 23, at Wiscasset Middle High School.

Graduates include Larsson Lugg, of Palermo, and David Shaw, of Westport Island. Director Raye Leonard and instructor Deb Carter offered an address and presented two awards.

Lugg received the 2026 Wiscasset Persistence in High School Completion Award, given to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional persistence in their journey toward earning a high school equivalency through the HiSET program. It honors not only the academic achievement but also the time, effort, and personal commitment required to overcome obstacles and stay the course.

Lugg first enrolled in February 2025 at Midcoast Adult & Community Education, serving the RSU 40 and RSU 12 school districts. He transferred to the Boothbay-Wiscasset program to continue his studies last summer. Palermo is abou an hour from Wiscasset, mostly backroads, and always dependent on traffic. But with the support of his mom, Shelly Elmer, Lugg rarely missed a Learning Lab with instructor Deb Carter. He completed his HiSET in March.

Shaw received the 2026 Wiscasset Lifelong Learner Award, presented to an exceptional adult learner who exemplifies what it truly means to be a lifelong learner. Having successfully completed the HiSET, this individual’s journey is marked not just by academic achievement, but by a dedication to personal growth and intellectual curiosity.

Shaw showed up in the main office of Wiscasset Middle High School one late November day in 2025, and said, “I’m here to get my GED.” High school staff connected him to the adult education office, and with Carter’s instruction, he took his first HiSET in February, followed over a quick three months by the rest of the exams. Shaw plans to make writing his career, so it was not enough to simply pass the tests; he always asked great questions and came up with new ways to approach the material.

Leonard presented a bouquet of flowers to Shelly Elmer, mother of Lars, and June Shaw, mother of David, in what she called the Unsung Hero Award, for their unfailing support of their sons’ educational goals, providing transportation, and the kind of emotional cheerleading it takes to help someone succeed.

The ceremony was attended by family, friends, and program staff and culminated in cake, conversation, and photos.

Graduation for students who completed their HiSET at the Boothbay office will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 6, at Barrett’s Park, 131 Lobster Cove Road, Boothbay Harbor.

Boothbay-Wiscasset Regional Adult Education offers high school completion, career and college advising, workforce preparation, and enrichment courses to adults in Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Wiscasset, and beyond. Planning for the fall enrichment program is underway and course proposals are still being accepted.

Enrollment for the 2026-27 academic program begins in July. For more information, visit www.boothbayae.maineadulted.org, email Director Raye Leonard at rleonard@aos98schools.org, or call-text 207-315-5651.