BANGOR, Maine — One of the busiest graduation weekends of the year in Maine kicked off with Eastern Maine Community College's commencement ceremony at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor on Friday.
Students received associates degrees, and some received certificates for specific trades they studied at EMCC.
NEWS CENTER Maine's Bill Green delivered commencement address at EMCC's 52nd annual commencement ceremony. In his speech, Green discussed his own experiences living and working in Maine, as well as his excitement for the graduate's entrance into the work force with experience in much needed positions across Maine.
Nearly 10 student's who received degrees on Friday have yet to finish their time in high school. As part of a dual enrollment program with the United Technologies Center and the EMCC, students were able to take college courses and receive credits while still in high school.
"This is a free program. The student's haven't had to spend any money, so that's the other huge component," said EMCC and UTC instructor Amanda Peterson. "They get to try it before they buy it and make sure it's really what they want to do with their lives. And it gives them that pathway to success that's proven already."
EMCC and UTC plan to expand the dual enrollment program next year, after a successful pilot program with this year's graduates.