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Farmington adult ESL graduates celebrated for language progress, field trips and certifications
Summary
Farmington Public School District held its 2026 adult ESL graduation, where program leaders highlighted field trips, trainings and personal student stories; graduates and teachers emphasized confidence-building and next steps.
Monica Neim, director of Farmington Public School District’s adult ESL program, opened the 2026 graduation by thanking families, staff and district leaders in attendance and inviting the community to celebrate the program’s accomplishments.
"My name is Monica Neim and I have the privilege of serving as the director of our adult ESL program," Neim said, welcoming graduates and noting the role of family and district support in the students’ success.
The nut graf: The ceremony featured remarks from Superintendent Dr. Kelly Coffin, program manager Annie Aarez and multiple teachers and students. Speakers highlighted year-round activities — including field trips to the Henry Ford Rouge factory and the Cranbrook Science Center, CPR and first-aid training, and career-development classes — and presented certificates to students who completed the district’s adult ESL coursework.
Dr. Kelly Coffin, Farmington’s superintendent, praised the class for balancing family and work while pursuing education. "Through determination, hard work, and mutual support, this year's class has transformed everyday challenges into profound successes," Coffin said, noting that some graduates moved on to college courses and others completed career-focused credentials.
Annie Aarez, the program manager, reviewed the year’s activities and supports that organizers said helped keep adult students engaged: seasonal celebrations, trips to community sites, child care for participants, and targeted training such as CDA and first-aid/CPR certifications for students enrolled in child-development classes.
Teachers spoke about classroom progress and the program’s diversity. Michelle, a beginning-level teacher, said her class included eight native languages and called students forward to receive certificates. Hanan, an intermediate teacher, described the classroom as "a family" and thanked assistants and child-care staff who helped students attend regularly.
Several graduates addressed the audience. Dian said the program helped her bridge language and cultural gaps after arriving from China: "When I first came here in the United States, everything was new and challenge," she said, and added that the program provided skills and confidence for continued learning and participation in the community. Sana, a virtual class student who gave a surprise speech, said the program had changed her daily life: "Today I feel more confident every day. I can attend my children's school meeting, go shopping by myself, chat with my neighbors," she said.
Evening-class teacher Jonathan BS reflected on students’ steady commitment, encouraging graduates to continue practicing English and to support other learners. The program recognized classroom leaders, teaching assistants and administrative staff, including clerk Laura Dunn and child-care staff Paula and Giovana, and presented certificates to graduating students from multiple classes.
Organizers closed the ceremony by thanking volunteers who assisted with recording and photography and invited attendees to refreshments. The program’s total number of graduates for 2026 was not specified in the remarks.
