2020 - Page 7 of 17

Free Program Prepares Students for College

July 13, 2020/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Want to enroll in college, but don’t know where to start? Do you worry that you aren’t academically prepared? You can prepare for success in college in the free Transition to College Program at Northern Essex Community College.

Transition to College is accepting applicants for this fall. Classes start September 20, 2020, with an orientation to the program August 24-September 3.

If you have a high school diploma or equivalency or a high school diploma and have been out of school for a few years or more, this program is for you. Transition to College is also perfect for adult English Language Learners with high level English skills and a high school diploma from their home country.

The program provides academic work in reading, writing, math and computers while integrating college adjustment skills such as time management, organization, note taking, paper writing, library, study, and homework skills.

Additionally, students learn about the culture and expectations of college, complete a college application and financial aid forms, and receive career planning guidance and advising.

Students who complete the program receive six college credits.

Classes will be held virtually and there is a day and evening option.

For additional information, contact Alisa Povenmire, Program Coordinator, by email at apovenmire@necc.mass.edu.

This program is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Each year, more than 5,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.

NECC Announces Expansion of Esports Program

July 1, 2020/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

esports team in front of gaming consoles

Esports coach David Arivella (left) with Esports Team members in the gaming lab.

The Northern Essex Community College varsity Esports program has announced it will expand to seven game offerings beginning with the fall 2020 semester. Five game titles will be featured for PC play, while Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will continue on Switch and Madden will be added for PS4 play. FIFA is also expected to join the mix in the spring 2021 semester.

The Knights Esports program, which captured national championships in Rocket League and Super Smash Bros Ultimate during the spring 2020 semester will look to continue its upward trajectory as the premiere community college Esports program in New England.

For PC beginning this fall, NECC will see the addition of CS:GO, Hearthstone, and Rainbow Six: Siege join the existing Rocket League and Overwatch titles.

Madden will be added as a fall semester game on the PS4 while FIFA is expected to be a spring semester game on the PS4 as well.

Super Smash Bros Ultimate will continue on Switch with both singles and doubles competition.

“We’re excited to be expanding our offerings in Esports and increase participation and championship opportunities for students while at the same time returning to competition in other programs as well following the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated NECC Athletic Director Dan Blair.

Northern Essex opened an Esports lab on the Haverhill Campus last fall, but, during COVID-19 restrictions, students are playing from home.

Esports competition is open to students at the college who are enrolled full time in a minimum of 12 credits per semester. For more information, visit.

The college is planning to resume athletics this fall, but that may change. Additional information and required student-athlete paperwork for the 2020-2021 academic year will be available on www.neccknights.com in the coming weeks. For additional information please contact Director of Athletics Dan Blair dblair@necc.mass.edu or a member of the coaching staff with any questions.

For additional information please contact Director of Athletics Dan Blair dblair@necc.mass.edu or esports coach David Arivella darivella@necc.mass.edu

Northern Essex Community College competes as a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) and sponsors 12 varsity intercollegiate sports including baseball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, softball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s soccer, Esports and men’s and women’s track and field. For more information on Northern Essex Community College Athletics please visit the official website of Northern Essex Athletics.

First Lawrence Promise Grad is Transferring from NECC to BU or UMass Amherst

June 30, 2020/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Young woman with long dark her rests her head on her hand while looking at camera

Emeli Diaz skipped a year of college, thanks to Early College and the Lawrence Promise Program.

Emeli Diaz, a 2019 Lawrence High School (LHS) grad, took college biology as a junior in high school, and discovered she was fascinated with the human brain. That self-knowledge led her to Anatomy & Physiology, which only further fueled her interest.

This May, 18-year old Diaz graduated with high honors and an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Northern Essex Community College. Her goal is to be a psychiatrist, and she has been accepted as a transfer student at both Boston University and UMass Amherst.

Thanks to the Early College Program, which gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school, Diaz earned her associate degree just one year after graduating from LHS. She accumulated 30 Northern Essex credits while in high school, which allowed her to graduate with her associate degree a year early.

Best of all, Diaz’s associate degree, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and a laptop, was completely free. She is the first student to graduate from the Lawrence Promise Scholarship Program, which provides free associate degree completion for LHS Early College students who transfer their credits to Northern Essex and enroll directly after graduating from the Early College Program. The Lawrence Promise Scholarship Program is made possible by private and foundation support.

“I wouldn’t have been able to attend college if it weren’t for Lawrence Promise,” said Diaz.

Diaz came to this country with her mother and brother five years ago, speaking no English. She enrolled as a 9th grader in Lawrence High School’s Enlace (Engaging Newcomers in Language and Content Education) program, and, with her strong motivation to learn, progressed quickly.

It’s clear Diaz is serious about her education and when asked what motivates her she answers that it’s “her family”. “My mom came here to give my brother and me a better future. She had to give up a lot of things, and I appreciate what she did for us.”

Northern Essex recently recognized the 47 2020 LHS graduates who participated in the Early College Program, graduating with up to 42 college credits. Sixteen of them will continue their education at Northern Essex as part of the Lawrence Promise Scholarship Program.

To learn more about the Early College Program, visit the website.

For more information about the Lawrence Promise Program Scholarship, contact Northern Essex PK-12 Partnerships, pk12@necc.mass.edu

Northern Essex Community College has campuses in both Haverhill and Lawrence. It offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs as well as hundreds of noncredit courses designed for personal enrichment and career growth. Each year, more than 5,000 students are enrolled in credit associate degree and certificate programs on the Haverhill and Lawrence campuses; and another 2,600 take noncredit workforce development and community education classes on campus, and at businesses and community sites across the Merrimack Valley. For more information, visit the website at www.necc.mass.edu or call 978-556-3700.

Haverhill High School Seniors Graduate with College Credits, Thanks to Early College Program

June 18, 2020/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Nicole Affanato

When 2020 Haverhill High School (HHS) graduates Alejandro Molina-Morales and Jennifer Sanchez enroll in college this fall, they will each take with them 46 college credits they earned through Northern Essex Community College’s Early College Program which allows high school students to attend college classes as early as their sophomore year in high school.

Molina-Morales, who had a 3.89 GPA, and Sanchez, who earned a 3.69 GPA, were two of 31 students who earned a total of 667 college credits through Early College.

The HHS Early College participants were honored during the HHS graduation celebration. Each received an Early College participation certificate and cord. Northern Essex President Lane Glenn also sent a personal video message.

“If this were a normal year we would be together in the same room, you and I, surrounded by family and friends, teachers from your high school, staff here at the college, celebrating this Early College graduation tonight, but this is not a normal year and you are not a normal class and we are thankful for that,” Glenn said. “You’re strong, you’re smart, you’re resilient. You have managed to accumulate all these college credits while graduating from high school during a pandemic…we celebrate you here today…wherever you go, I am cheering you on.”

While at least eight of the HHS Early College students will continue their college education at Northern Essex, the others will attend Emmanuel College, University of Rhode Island, University of New England, Merrimack College, Coastal Carolina University, Wheaton College, Endicott College, and at least one is enlisting in the United States Marine Corps.

Nicole Affanato, who earned 16 credits and a 3.92 GPA, will continue her studies at Northern Essex. She was awarded the First Knight Presidential Scholarship.”The best part about Early College for me, was the convenience of being able to earn college credits while still in high school…Early College has prepared me by being able to slowly transition from high school to college. Taking college level classes and on a real college campus has made me more comfortable with the lifestyle of being a full- time college student… To any student debating whether to participate in Early College I would urge you to do it,” Affanato said.

Northern Essex currently has Early College Programs with Lawrence, Haverhill, Whittier and Amesbury high schools. Last fall, there were 300 high school students receiving college credit from Northern Essex by enrolling in Early College Programs or other high school partnerships. To learn more, visit the website or contact NECC at 978 659-1235 or pk12@necc.mass.edu

NECC 2020 Graduate: Tyler Sheltry

June 17, 2020/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Tyler Sheltry

Name: Tyler Sheltry

Major: Laboratory Science

Hometown: Andover

High School and Year of Graduation: Essex Agricultural and Technical High School in 2013

Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? I went to University of Maine at Machias as a marine biology major, but only for one year.

What brought you to NECC? The school had a degree program that interested me, was not far from home, and was affordable

Why did you choose your major? I have always been good in science and math classes, so being a chemistry major seemed to make sense

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? I was assistant stage manager and worked the tech booth as the light board operator for the 2019 production of A Christmas Carol

What are you planning for fall, 2020? I am planning on getting a job in field, and am currently trying to get an internship started at Pfizer

What did you appreciate most about NECC? The community feel from the students and staff

Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? There are two, Alisa Bucchiere, who helped to push me out of my comfort zone and encourage me, and Marguerite White-Jeanneau, who told me that she felt I was going in the right direction when I was questioning if I was cut out for this program and career path.

What surprised you most about NECC? How open and inviting all of the faculty and staff are to answering questions and helping.

What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? If you have a question ask it, whether it be in class, someone in the offices, or walking around campus they want to help you.

What would people be surprised to know about you? As part of my high school environmental science program I was HAZMAT certified.

What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? Balancing school, work, and personal life.

What are you long term career/education plans? I want to get a job in field, work for a a year or two then continue to a bachelors degree

NECC Class of 2020 Picks Up Diplomas and Celebration Packages

June 16, 2020/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Knight mascot delivers package to NECC 2020 grad in car.

The Knight delivered a celebration package to a member of the NECC class of 2020.

Three-hundred Northern Essex Community College 2020 graduates came to the Haverhill Campus on Monday, June 15, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pick up their diplomas, celebration packages, and Class of 2020 yard signs.

They were greeted by balloons, music, cheering Northern Essex faculty and staff, and the NECC Knight mascot (student trustee Courtney Morin), who happily posed for photos. Social distancing was practiced including the wearing of masks. The celebration packages included an NECC sweatshirt blanket, an NECC mask, an alumni decal, celebration photo sticks, and other goodies.

The youngest grad was likely 17-year old Jack Gilmore of Topsfield, MA, who earned an Associate Degree in General Studies: Individualized Option, thanks to the Early College Program. Gilmore, who also earned his high school diploma from Masconomet Regional High School this spring, will attend the University of Connecticut in the fall, where he will study mechanical engineering. His proud mom reported that he will begin college as a sophomore, and graduate at least a year early with his bachelor’s.

Young man stands holding NECC Class of 2020 yard sign.

Jack Gilmore, 17, earned his high school diploma and his associate degree from NECC this year.

Kaleigh DeCosta of Merrrimac and her aunt, Adina Sulesky of Plaistow, are both graduating with the NECC Class of 2020.

Kaileigh DeCosta of Merrimac and her aunt Adina Sulesky of Plaistow, NH arrived together to pick up their diplomas and packages, making it a family affair. DeCosta, a 2017 graduate of Amesbury High School, earned her degree in General Studies: Individualized Option and will transfer to Becker College in the fall. Sulesky, who graduated from Haverhill High School in 1996 and is graduating with high honors from Northern Essex’s Criminal Justice Program, wants to take some time off before continuing her education. “It took five and a half years to earn this degree, so I’m ready for a break,” she said with a smile.

Omayra Gonzalez of Lawrence arrived on her own two feet to pick up her diploma, having been dropped off at the entrance to the campus. She graduated with a Liberal Arts: Psychology degree and will transfer to UMass Lowell to continue her studies.

The graduates shared their plans to transfer to UMass Lowell, Merrimack College, Southern New Hampshire University, Northeastern, Regis, Cambridge College, and many more, as well as excitement about new jobs with Mass General, Brigham’s & Women’s Hospital, Lawrence General, and Lowell General.

Northern Essex President Lane Glenn greeted many of the graduates personally. “This has been a challenging semester due to the impact of COVID-19,” said Glenn. “I couldn’t be more proud of this class. They’ve been through so much but they didn’t quit. They are truly an amazing group.”

President Lane Glenn gives the thumb up with NECC 2020 grad. Both are wearing masks.

President Lane Glenn and Omayra Gonzalez, a Liberal Arts graduate.

For those who couldn’t make it, the college will hand out diplomas and celebration packages on the Lawrence Campus on Thursday, June 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot area of the Dimitry Building at 45 Franklin Street.

Also planned, with help from HC Media, is a commencement ceremony on Saturday, August 8 at 11 am. While it’s being offered virtually, the ceremony will include many traditional elements. Early Childhood Education Graduate Emily Forisso of Haverhill will open the ceremony with the national anthem. Rosanna Lara, a Public Health major from Lawrence, will deliver the student speech, and Rosalin Acosta, Massachusetts secretary of labor and workforce development, will give the commencement speech. Also, the college’s Social Justice Award and the Gift from the Class of 2020 will be announced.

Each of the 600 graduates is being asked to submit a photo which will be shown as part of the ceremony, along with a virtual diploma.

2020 Graduates will also be invited to participate in next year’s commencement exercises, which will recognize both the class of 2020 and the class of 2021.

Visit the commencement website to learn more. If you have questions, contact Enrollment Services, 978 556-3974 or registrar@necc.mass.edu

Lawrence High School Grads Celebrated for Early College Participation

June 16, 2020/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Portrait of Jesus Guzman in his camp and gown

Jesus Guzman will continue his studies at NECC.

When Lawrence High School (LHS) 2020 graduate Joseph Trinidad begins his studies at the College of the Holy Cross later this year, he will do so with 42 college credits he earned at Northern Essex Community College through the Early College program which allows area high school students to enroll in college classes while still attending high school.

Trinidad, who earned a 3.84 GPA, was one of 47 LHS students honored during the LHS graduation celebration. Each received an Early College participation certificate and cord. Northern Essex President Lane Glenn also sent a personal video message.

“If this were a normal year we would be together in the same room, you and I, surrounded by family and friends, teachers from your high school, staff here at the college, celebrating this Early College graduation tonight, but this is not a normal year and you are not a normal class and we are thankful for that,” Glenn said. “You’re strong, you’re smart, you’re resilient. You have managed to accumulate all these college credits while graduating from high school during a pandemic…we celebrate you here today…wherever you go, I am cheering you on.”

Some 14 LHS Early College students will continue their education at NECC while others will attend Tufts University, UMass Amherst, Babson College, St. Anselm’s, University of San Francisco and Simmons University.

In addition to Trinidad, Early College graduates included Jesus Guzman, who was named LHS class of 2020 valedictorian this year. He earned a 3.87 GPA with a total of 31 college credits. He was awarded the Bowker Prize this year as the most outstanding senior in English. He played four years of soccer and was named captain his junior year. He was a high honors student and a member of the National Honor Society. He will continue his studies at NECC through the Lawrence Promise Scholarship Program, which provides a free associate degree for Early College grads who continue at NECC.

2020 grad stands in front of picket fence wearing her cap and gown

Gladdys Jiminian will graduate from college a year early, thanks to the Early College credits she earned. She will attend NECC in the fall.

Gladdys Jiminian, who earned 32 credits with a 3.5 GPA, will also continue at NECC. She moved to the United States when she was in the 6th grade and quickly learned English. A high honors student, she was nominated for the Ana L. Carey Creative English Award, a scholarship and award to a senior who demonstrated excellence in creative English. She has been a member of the Andover outreach program called “Bread Loaf” since 2015. Within this program, Jiminian supported other students by teaching them poetry, writing and art workshops, helping with homework, art projects, communication, self-expression, and self-acceptance.

Here is a list of all LHS students who participated in Early College.

Northern Essex currently has Early College Programs with Lawrence, Haverhill, Whittier and Amesbury high schools. Last fall, there were 300 high school students receiving college credit from Northern Essex by enrolling in Early College Programs or other high school partnerships. To learn more, visit the website or contact NECC at 978 659-1235 or pk12@necc.mass.edu

NECC 2020 Graduate: Jeurys Santiago

June 16, 2020/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Jeurys Santiago

Name: Jeurys Santiago (founder of Minds with Purpose)

Major: Business Transfer

GPA: 3.22

Hometown: Lawrence

High School and Year of Graduation: First three years at Manhattan Center for Science and Mathematics and senior year at Lawrence High School – 2017 .

What brought you to NECC? NECC seemed like the perfect spot for me to start my college career for the reason that its affordable and had the exact program that I wanted to get into. It was also close to home which was a huge advantage.

Why did you choose your major? The reason I chose my major is that I want to have a career in the business field and become an entrepreneur.

Were you involved in any extracurricular activities at NECC? Yes I was part of the PACE Program, the Civic Scholars program , the Alpha Beta Gamma business honors society , the internship program , and also part of a marketing team that helped with projects going on in school.

What are you planning for fall, 2020? For fall 2020 I am planning on transferring into a four- year institution if schools open up because I want to live in a dorm. If not, I plan on growing my business and learn new skills.

What did you appreciate most about NECC? The staff and faculty are amazing , each and every single one of them are super helpful. Also, there are many student support programs, extra curricular programs and clubs, and career and job fairs.

Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Yes , Professor Sheila Muller . She was super helpful. She believed in one of my ideas and after that happened it sparked something inside of me to put more of my ideas out there and she was always there along the way to help me out in any way she could. She connected me with the correct individuals at times as well.

What surprised you most about NECC? What surprised me the most about NECC is how resourceful it turned out to be and how much I ended up learning about myself. Without NECC I would not be who I am today .

What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? Some advice that I would give an incoming NECC freshman is to be themselves and to not be afraid to ask for help because everyone at NECC is super helpful. When I say to be themselves, I mean to speak out and not hold things back because of fear.

What would people be surprised to know about you? People would be surprised to know that I love learning and that I love playing chess and dancing ballroom. .

What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenges that I faced during my pursuit were consistency , I felt like if I didn’t go hard on myself and take 4-6 classes per semester than I wouldn’t finish.

What are you long term career/education plans? My long-term career/education plans are to build my own business from the ground up to be a company that helps locals all over the world.

NECC Nursing Student Works as CNA with COVID Patients

June 12, 2020/in Archive/by Ernie Greenslade

Rosalyn Delequexe, Nursing Student

Tennessee Transplant Rosalyn Delequexe is working 12-hour shifts as a CNA for the Massachusetts COVID-19 relief team. In the fall, she will begin the college’s nursing program, and her goal is to eventually earn her nurse practitioner degree and work with under-served populations patients, including the homeless. Delequexe moved to Haverhill a few years ago when she fell in love with a local man, who is now her fiance.

“Working in health care isn’t a job for me, it’s a calling,” says Delequexe, who has been assigned to the COVID floor at Meadow Green, a long term care facility, and will be soon be moving to the COVID unit at Boston Hope Hospital.

It runs in the family. Her great, great grandmother, Eliza Linville cared for patients during the Yellow Fever epidemic in the late 1880’s in Memphis and eventually lost her life to the virus.

“I think about my great, great grandmother and the danger of working with such a contagious virus,” says Delequexe. “But the nurses are short-staffed, and I want to do my part to help.”

Delequexe’s commitment to health care and her patients is good news for the nursing profession.

In addition to her work with COVID patients, she volunteers with SWOP (Sex Workers Outreach Project) Boston, and other nonprofit organizations that serve at risk and underserved populations. “My goal is to better serve these populations as a nurse practitioner. Whether it is STD testing, a physical, a pharmacological intervention, or a referral to other agencies, I want to be that person they can count on.”

Delequexe completed her nursing prerequisites at Northern Essex, and, in biology class, she met Elizabeth Torres, a full-time medical assistant and mother of three young children, who will also be starting the nursing program in the fall.

The two bonded instantly and become study partners. “She’s so smart and so driven,” says Delequexe. “We keep each other on track and support one another.”

Delequexe is enthusiastic about her experiences at Northern Essex and looking forward to the fall. “Northern Essex has a private school feel with public school prices. I’m blessed to be in the program.”

Northern Essex is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first class to graduate from the Nursing Program. Since 1970, more than 3,500 nurses have graduated from Northern Essex, most of them now delivering care locally. Since then the college has also expanded its offerings and now has 20 health care programs, with respiratory care, practical nursing, radiologic technology, medical assisting, and many other options.

You can learn more about Northern Essex’s nursing program here.

NECC: 2020 Graduate: Victoria Cerasuolo

June 11, 2020/in Archive/by Ellen Small-Davis

Victoria Cerasuolo

Name: Victoria Cerasuolo

Major: Associate of Science in Public Health; Community Health Worker Certificate

Hometown: Haverhill

GPA: 3.39

High School and Year of Graduation: Whittier Regional Technical High School, 2016

Did you attend another college or university before enrolling at NECC? If so, did you earn a certificate or degree? I spent my freshman year of college at Plymouth State University then transferred to NECC.

What brought you to NECC? I decided to come home and start working as a CNA and take more prerequisites before deciding on Public Health as my focus!

Why did you choose your major? I chose Public Health because I know I want to help people and that is my calling, but I was not sure exactly how I wanted to help and Public Health has opened many future possibilities for me to help those in many ways.

What are you planning for fall, 2020? I will be starting my bachelor’s degree program in public health at Regis North.

What did you appreciate most about NECC? What I appreciate most about NECC is the way in which the professors engage with us as students. I never felt alone when taking a course and knew I had options to get the help I needed.

Was there a faculty or staff member who was especially helpful? If yes, how did they help you? Jacqueline Dick was my professor along with my program coordinator/ advisor. She was especially helpful through this journey of earning my associate degree in public health. I knew I could reach out to her with any questions or concerns I had regardless if it had to do with class or my personal life. She was an excellent professor as well, she always engaged with us as students and made sure we understood what we were learning. She truly cares about her students and their success.

Activities outside of class: I worked as a CNA and dog walker.

What surprised you most about NECC? The tight knit school community.

What advice would you give an incoming NECC freshman? If you have not decided on a major yet, it will come. Things will be tough, but you will always have a helping hand and NECC faculty and staff want the best for you. Don’t give up, it is all worth it.

What would people be surprised to know about you? When I was not doing my studies I was either exercising or riding on my significant other’s motorcycle.

What were the biggest challenges that you faced in pursuit of your associate degree? The biggest challenge was time management and being able to stay on track. What are your long-term career/education plans? To earn my bachelor’s in public health then obtain my nursing degree in the hopes of becoming a Public Health Nurse. Anything else you want to add? Good luck to all incoming freshman and those working toward their degree!