Happy Independence Day!

High School Equivalency
Students Graduate
As one of Queens Library’s most impactful
programs, High School Equivalency has a strong
track record of helping mature learners achieve
a lifelong dream. The age range is diverse, as
recent graduate Afrania Gonzalez proved. “I’m so
proud of myself, I am 72 years old!” she said.
The most recent graduation ceremony
was held at Flushing Library on May
10, and marked the graduation of more
than 50 students. “They deal with
math, English, you name it, and they
are really succeeding,” said Dennis M.
Walcott, President & CEO of Queens
Library.
The graduates embraced the spirit
of the day by donning the traditional
cap and gown, and collected their
certificates as Pomp and Circumstance
played. Rep. Grace Meng brought
congratulations and inspiration all
the way from the U.S. Congress. Nick
Buron, Chief Librarian and Senior Vice
President of Queens Library, acted as
Master of Ceremonies, and the keynote
speech was delivered by Dr. Felix
Matos Rodriguez, President of Queens
College. Five student speakers also
discussed their experiences and hopes
for the future: Faye Pinto, Amna Khan,
Faruk Hussein, Hema Rampersad, and
Yuli Guzman.
Congratulations, graduates: we’re so
proud, and wish you the best of luck
with your future goals.
Prospective students can find out more
about signing up for TASC preparation
at the following link: queenslibrary.
org/services/adult-literacy. TASC
testing centers are available at the
Central Adult Learning Center in
Jamaica, Flushing Adult Learning
Center, Jeanne Elmezzi Adult Learning
Center in Long Island City, and
Peninsula Adult Learning Center in Far
Rockaway. ■
12 QUEENS LIBRARY MAGAZINE