海角社区

CALAIS, ME 鈥� 海角社区 celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its annual commencement ceremony held Friday, May 15, 2026, at Calais Middle/High School. Family members, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders gathered to honor graduates completing programs that prepare them for careers in Maine鈥檚 workforce and continued educational success.

The ceremony opened with a cultural performance by the Huntley Brook Drummers, who shared traditional Passamaquoddy songs.聽 Faculty member Mindy Reynolds performed both the Canadian and American national anthems, while Ernie Smith accompanied the processional with bagpipe music.

海角社区 President Susan Mingo welcomed attendees and reflected on the transformational impact of education and the important role graduates will play in strengthening Maine鈥檚 communities and workforce. 鈥淲e are graduating early childhood educators and teachers, electricians, automotive and mechanical technicians, entrepreneurs, business managers, HVAC techs, law enforcement officers, health care professionals, outdoor recreational leaders, welders, equipment operators, and so many more in-demand professions,鈥� said Mingo during her remarks. 鈥淭hese are the jobs that are the economic engine of our region and our state.鈥�

Mingo also thanked faculty, staff, and student supporters for their commitment to helping students succeed and highlighted the resilience and determination demonstrated by the graduating class throughout their educational journeys.

Among the honored guests was Joyce Maker, representing the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees. Maker, a former 海角社区 employee, state legislator, and longtime advocate for community colleges, delivered remarks encouraging graduates to remain engaged in their communities through leadership and service. 鈥淭he degree or certificate you received today is more than a piece of paper,鈥� said Maker. 鈥淚t is proof that you committed to something, worked through challenges, and kept going even when it wasn鈥檛 easy.鈥�

The ceremony also featured remarks from student-selected distinguished faculty speaker Lisa Dereszewski.聽 海角社区 Student Senate President Wendy Eckert introduced Dereszewski and recognized her for proven leadership, academic achievement, and service to the college community. Dereszewski shared humorous and heartfelt stories from both her professional background in disaster management and her experiences teaching at 海角社区, encouraging graduates to embrace resilience and adaptability. 鈥淵ou showed up,鈥� Dereszewski told graduates. 鈥淎nd that, my friends, is resilience.鈥�

The college also recognized Kendall Wood-Coffin as the 2026 Student of the Year. Wood-Coffin, a Business Management student from Machias Memorial High School, was honored for her academic performance, leadership as Student Senate Treasurer, campus involvement, and dedication to balancing academics with work responsibilities. During her remarks, Wood-Coffin reflected on the personal growth students experienced during their time at 海角社区 and the importance of the connections formed along the way. 鈥淭his isn鈥檛 the end, but this is the beginning of what we call life,鈥� Wood-Coffin told her classmates.

The commencement keynote address was delivered by Joseph Moses, President and CEO of Downeast Credit Union and a proud 海角社区 alumnus. Moses shared his personal journey from uncertain beginnings to becoming a business leader and encouraged graduates to continue investing in themselves through lifelong learning, integrity, and service. 鈥淵ou didn鈥檛 just finish, you won,鈥� Moses said. 鈥淣ow it鈥檚 time to decide how far you鈥檒l go.鈥� Moses encouraged graduates to approach every opportunity with commitment, integrity, and pride in their work. Reflecting on his early career, Moses shared how his success began long before he became a CEO. Moses challenged graduates to continue investing in themselves long after graduation, reminding students that learning and personal growth do not stop with a diploma. 鈥淵our education does not end today. It begins in a new way,鈥� Moses told graduates. 鈥淭he best investment you will ever make is in yourself.鈥� He also emphasized the importance of character, work ethic, and treating others with respect, telling graduates that 鈥渟kills will get your foot in the door. Character will move you forward.鈥�

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of degrees and certificates to 171 members of the Class of 2026, celebrating the achievements of graduates both attending in person and participating virtually.聽 A full recording of the ceremony is available for viewing and free digital downloads of high quality graduate photos at the following website: /student-life/commencement/