Hundreds of Adults Receive Their High School Diploma

NOTE: A list of graduation ceremonies follows this release.

Helen Babineau is one of 530 adults receiving a Grade 12 diploma this month through the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning.

Ms. Babineau left high school at 16 and said returning to the classroom was something she was always determined to do.

This month, the 45-year-old mother of three from Chéticamp will receive her diploma, just a few months ahead of her daughter's college graduation.

Like many adult students, Ms. Babineau had her share of challenges to overcome. In addition to working, going to classes and raising three children, midway through her studies, Ms. Babineau's family lost their home and all of their belongings in a house fire.

"I could have let this defeat me, but I had come so far. I lived most of my life feeling defeated, thinking that I couldn't achieve this. I couldn't just give up."

To those considering a return to the classroom, Ms. Babineau says, "It's never too late to learn, and it's not as hard as you think it's going to be."

Labour and Advanced Education Minister Kelly Regan says Ms. Babineau and her fellow graduates should be very proud of what they've accomplished.

"Helen has proven to herself and to those around her just how much you can achieve with a little determination and the support of loved ones," said Ms. Regan. "She's conquered her fears and discovered the confidence that comes from learning.

"My congratulations to Helen and to all of this year's adult graduates."

The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning, in partnership with the Nova Scotia Community College, regional school boards, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations, offers more than 150 tuition-free programs across the province. These programs help Nova Scotians improve their literacy, and prepare for good jobs, more school or training.

More than 7,000 Nova Scotians have received high school diplomas through the program since it began in 2001. For more information call 1-877-go-NSSAL (1-877-466-7725) or visit www.goNSSAL.ca .

The following is a list a graduation ceremonies:

Valley Region:

NSCC Annapolis Valley Campus -- NSCC Middleton gymnasium, Commercial St., June 11th, 4 p.m.

NSCC Kingstec Campus -- Acadia University, University Hall, 15 University Ave., Wolfville, June 13th, 9 a.m.

Digby Adult High School -- Digby Legion, 92 Mount St., June 26, 7 p.m.

Windsor Adult High School -- Windsor Legion, 35 Empire Lane, June 26, 1 p.m.

Kings county Adult High School -- Evangeline Middle School, 9387 Commercial St., New Minas, June 26, 7 p.m.

HRM Region:

NSCC Akerley Campus -- Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 6101 University Ave., Halifax, June 16, 1 p.m.

NSCC Waterfront Campus -- Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 6101 University Ave., Halifax, June 16, 9 a.m.

NSCC IT Campus -- Rebecca Cohn Auditorium, 6101 University Ave., Halifax, June 16, 6 p.m.

Bedford and Forsyth Education Centres -- Bedford Education Centre, 426 Rocky Lake Dr., June 26, 3 p.m.

South Shore Region:

NSCC Lunenburg Campus -- NSCC Lunenburg, 75 High St., Bridgewater, June 10, 10 a.m.

NSCC Shelburne Campus -- Shelburne Community Centre, 63 King St., June 10, 4 p.m.

NSCC Burridge Campus -- Yarmouth Mariners Centre, 45 Jody Shelley Dr., June 11, 10 a.m.

Queens Adult High School -- Golden Pond Restaurant, 73 Henessey Dr., Liverpool, June 26, 12 p.m.

Yarmouth Adult High School -- NSCC Burridge Campus, 372 Pleasant St., Yarmouth, June 29, 7 p.m.

Lunenburg Adult High School -- NSCC Lunenburg, 75 High St., Bridgewater, June 29, 2 p.m.

Northern Region:

NSCC Truro Campus -- Rath Eastlink Community Centre, 625 Abenaki Rd., Truro, June 9, 10 a.m.

NSCC Cumberland Campus -- Dr. Carson & Marion Murray Community Centre, 6 Main St., Springhill, June 6, 10 a.m.

NSCC Pictou Campus -- NSCC Pictou gymnasium, 39 Acadia Ave., Stellarton, June 19, 10 a.m.

Strait Area Region:

NSCC Strait Area Campus -- Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, 606 Reeves St., June 19, 5 p.m.

Cape Breton Region:

NSCC Marconi Campus -- Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Kluskap Great Hall, 50 Maillard St., Membertou, June 20, 9 a.m.

Cape Breton Adult High School -- Breton Education Centre, 677 Eighth St., New Waterford, June 26, 2 p.m.

Acadian Region:

Université Sainte-Anne, Halifax -- all campuses via video conference from the Halifax campus, 1589 Walnut St., June 17, 7 p.m.