Framingham Adult ESL Graduation; 3 Graduates, Dozens Move Up

FRAMINGHAM, MA — The gym in Framingham's Brazilian American Center, BRACE, was packed with proud students and their families on Wednesday morning, celebrating the close of Framingham Adult ESL's spring semester. The morning graduation had dozens of students moving up to advanced levels, perfecting their English, as well as three graduates who completed all six levels.

Students were honored by Representative Jack Lewis, who highlighted the advantage many students have and dedication in learning a second language. The school district's Assistant Superintendent for Equity, Diversity and Community Development, Joseph Corazzini, also attended the ceremony and related to students, noting his own journey in learning Spanish.

The Adult ESL program has been in high demand for years and uses a lottery system to register new students. People come out in droves, hoping to have the opportunity to one day complete the program. This semester three graduates all knew that feeling, once.

One of the graduates, Beija Cy started the program in 2017 but had to stop classes because of a scheduling issue. "I had to drive my son to school and the times didn't line up," she said, adding that she's glad she came back. "I love it, it's a great program and everyone is very nice," Cy said. She came to the states from Brazil in 2001, leaving much of her family in her home country. Cy said it helps that she isn't here completely alone, she has her children and sisters and brother-in-laws. She's built a family and life in Framingham over the past 19 years and now, she said she is excited to have a better grip on her English. "I'm still going to take more classes, the learning never ends," she said.

Another graduate, Faustina Franco, said she was lucky enough to register through the lottery with a friend. Franco is a Milford resident who heard about the program through a friend. She came to the states from the Dominican Republic 13 years ago and is excited to speak with confidence in English. "The classes really made me more confident in speaking, it's wonderful," she said. Franco also plans on continuing to study English.

Program director Kevin O'Connor took the time to shoutout each and every teacher, volunteer and staff member who made the semester possible. He called being part of the Adult ESL program "One of the honors of my life." O'Connor highlighted the achievements the program made, from fundraising yard sales and immigration clinics to having the program's very own students run and raise money in the Boston Marathon.

"Many of the businesses who sponsored the runners are owned by our students or former students," he said, "This is what our students do, they run their own businesses, they give back to the program."

This year and ceremony was also special as the program introduced the inaugural group of National Adult Education Honor Society members. Members are chosen based on their drive and commitment to education and attitude — not on test scores or grades. Twelve students were inducted at the morning ceremony and O'Conor anticipates there will be plenty more in the years to come.

Level six student Fabiana Souza Silveira spoke as the ceremony's featured speaker and encouraged students to persevere. Silveira started the program back in 1994 but briefly stopped. "I had to work and pay bills," she said. She eventually came back, with stronger English thanks to American TV and books, but wanted to perfect her writing and academics.

Watch Fabiana's speech and a song performed by the level six class: