Mr. Speaker, last Friday I was privileged to attend the wonderful graduation ceremony for the Dartmouth Work Activity Society. This organization is focused on providing skills upgrading for adults who have faced a variety of challenges.
Without this opportunity many would have no recourse other than to give up on meaningful employment and join others who have virtually given up on life.
Going back to school as an adult is not easy. Learning new skills takes courage, commitment and sacrifice.
The success of the program is evident as many of the grads were unable to attend the ceremony because they were at their new places of work.
I congratulate these graduates. I am confident they will succeed in life through their hard work and unwavering confidence.
I also know they would join me in congratulating and thanking the Dartmouth Work board and staff, particularly Frank Gibson, an inspiring and dedicated community leader, for recognizing that the quality of a society is perhaps best judged by how many people we empower through education and dignity.