Governor LePage Keynotes Youth Building Alternatives Graduation

The Governor tells students they are responsible for shaping their futures and thanks to the LearningWorks' program, now have the tools to do so successfully
Portland, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage told graduates of a Portland-based alternative high school program on Friday that if they are determined, they will accomplish great things.

The Governor’s remarks came during his keynote address to the 15-person graduating class of LearningWorks’ Youth Building Alternatives, a nationally accredited educational program for at-risk youth who have dropped out of high school that provides classroom instruction toward passing the GED exams and job-site skill training for future employment.

Drawing on his own personal story of overcoming homelessness to become a successful business leader and
now Governor of Maine thanks to hard work, determination and dedicated mentors, LePage reminded the graduates of the 10-word mantra he lives and leads by: if it is to be, it is up to me.

As he and LearningWorks CEO Ethan Strimling, a former democratic legislator, presented the diplomas at the Portland Public Library ceremony, the Governor also gifted each graduate with a bracelet imprinted with that saying.

With these words and the tools acquired in the LearningWorks’ program, the Governor told graduates they are now ready to build the futures they alone will be accountable for.

“This phrase does not mean we should go it alone through life. However, it does mean that we are responsible for shaping our own life and our own future. It is up to each and every one of us to decide what we want to become in life, what we want to contribute to society, to our families, to our future,” Governor LePage said.

“On this graduation day, I know many of you have faced adversities. But you made it here, and you have accomplished a lot. You can accomplish great things if you are determined.”

Around 100 family, friends, LearningWorks staff, social workers and Juvenile Community Corrections Officers were on hand to cheer on graduates Kaitlynn Gammon, Terrell Patterson, Alexander Powers, Jessica Roberts, Christopher Rubera, Jenna Weare, Shakira DiPietro, Courtney Gradie, Kaitlyn Gradie, Tyler Im, Neal Roberts, Heather Taylor, Rianna Tuttle, Benjamin McGary and Matthew Pike.

Advocating for student-centered educational programs including expanded career and vocational training has been a focus of the Governor, who first spoke to LearningWorks’ students at a Community Conversation held at Maine Medical Center in 2011.

“Having Governor LePage address our students for the second time in the first two years of his administration means more than he can imagine. To have someone who has risen up from similar circumstances, sets an example that is invaluable to the future growth and stability of our students,” Strimling said. “We are very grateful for his willingness to take the time.”

For more information about LearningWorks, visit www.learningworks.me/ or call (207) 775-0105.