Lewiston Adult Education

Lewiston Adult Education Assistant Director Razell Ward, left, receives the Gerald LeVasseur Award from Maine Adult Education Association Director David Watts.

“Talent is equally distributed. Opportunity is not.” For Razell Ward, Assistant Director of Lewiston Adult Education, these words are more than a motto—they are the mission that has guided more than 20 years of service to adult learners and communities throughout Maine.

Ward received the prestigious Gerald LeVasseur Distinguished Service Award on Oct. 15 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to adult and community education at the annual October Maine Adult Education Association Symposium at Sebasco Harbor Resort in Phippsburg. Established in 1982 in memory of Gerald LeVasseur, the late Adult Education Director from Van Buren, Maine, the award honors Maine citizens whose exceptional service, leadership, and dedication have made a lasting difference in the field.

Her career spans roles as an Adult Education Director, Lead Teacher, and Social Worker, giving her a unique understanding of the barriers people face and the opportunities that can change their lives. She is passionate about connecting education with workforce needs, building community partnerships, and creating pathways to employment and economic mobility.

With a commitment to improving educational opportunities, she helps adult learners move forward while strengthening the programs and communities that support them. She also generously shares her knowledge with colleagues, mentoring new adult education directors and helping them build successful programs.

As one nominator shared, Ward has devoted her adult life to improving the lives and opportunities of others, working to overcome the obstacles that prevent people from reaching their potential. Another praised her willingness to support new leaders, emphasizing how deeply she cares about the growth and success of adult education across Maine.

MAEA Executive Director David Watts stated, “Razell is passionate about connecting education with workforce needs, building community partnerships, and creating pathways to employment and economic mobility”.

This spirit of service, collaboration, and leadership reflects the award’s high standards: extraordinary achievement, long and distinguished service, innovative solutions to challenges, and a meaningful impact on adult education and the public good.

Away from work, Ward, with her husband Bentley, raises sheep, cattle, and a flock of chickens on their farm. Congratulations to Razell on this well-deserved honor and for making a lasting difference in the lives of Maine’s adult learners.

Anyone who would like to look at a print version of the Fall 2026 brochure of classes can click the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SG-PqRNoaGyG8FBUiMfD7XZdNpW06MNE/view?usp=sharing

A local business leader will serve as a teacher of a new fall class on sustainable practices as part of the Lewiston Adult Education and Auburn Adult & Community Education fall combined catalog.

Peter Geiger, owner of the promotional products distributor Geiger, will co-teach “Beyond Solar” with Chris Pomerleau in Lewiston on Oct. 7. Pomerleau works as facilities manager at Geiger.

The class focuses on solar energy, waste reduction, recycling initiatives and carbon-conscious shipping. Geiger last taught a class with Lewiston Adult Education in 2018 when he gave a tour of the renovated facility at Mount Hope Avenue and showed off the new solar panels outside.

“Beyond Solar” is a new class included in the Lewiston and Auburn Adult Education programs brochure. It is scheduled to be delivered in early September.

Courses on green energy also include: “Maine Electric Vehicles,” set for Sept. 29, and “Solar Power in Maine,” scheduled for Sept. 30, both taught by Bill Hensley. His courses highlight real-world tips on costs, savings, and making the switch.

In addition, Jenna Roberts, owner of Marvelous Macarons in Auburn, will teach “Introduction to Cake Decorating” on Oct. 15 at her Center Street business.

“If I can do it, anybody can do it. It’s not as scary as you think it is,” Roberts said. 

Roberts emphasized having the right tools, which include piping bags and tips.

Citlalli “Lalli” Constantino Alvarez will teach about Mexican desserts: flan, a creamy baked egg custard, and arroz con leche, a rice pudding.

“I’m sharing my personal recipes that my family makes to enjoy during holidays or special occasions,” she said.

Ballroom dance, Japanese drumming, wooden pen making, sambusas, soap making and computer basics are among the other new Lewiston classes. 

The cover of the brochure features a still life by local artist Anita F. Poulin. She will demonstrate negative painting technique in her class, which is scheduled to begin at Auburn Adult & Community Education on Sept. 17.

People interested in Lewiston Adult Education and Auburn Adult & Community Education classes can sign up online before brochures arrive in the mail. Lewiston’s website is www.lewiston.maineadulted.org and Auburn’s is www.auburn.maineadulted.org.

Lewiston Adult Education recognized 21 graduating students on June 9 in the Lewiston High School gymnasium. 

State Sen. Peggy Rotundo, who served as the keynote speaker, praised the 

work students had done to earn their high school credential and their plans for the future.

“Several of you are currently attending or plan to attend Central Maine Community College. One of you, who is currently enrolled at CMCC, will transfer to the University of Southern Maine’s nursing program soon. A couple of you became new mothers while in school; several of you had to overcome barriers including no transportation, illness and injury, as well as struggles with addiction recovery. You are an amazing group!”

Student speaker Inocencia Pedro commended family and friends for their support.

“Thank you for supporting us, encouraging us, and believing in us when we doubted ourselves. To my classmates: today shows that no matter where we started, we can achieve our goals. This is not the end — it is just the beginning,” Pedro said.

Certificates were awarded to graduates in the following categories: academic honors, academic achievement, self-directed learning and student leadership.

Lewiston Adult Education also recognized the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, ILAP, with the annual community partner award. ILAP is Maine’s only statewide immigration legal services organization and provides monthly drop-in services and outreach at Lewiston Adult Education.

Kelley Rudd, a veteran Lewiston Adult Education teacher of 24 years, was also recognized with the 2026 Innovation Award. Rudd was the first full-time teacher hired to teach English to immigrant students in 2002. She was praised for her leadership, her ability to adapt and for establishing innovative programs that continue to meet the needs of the adult learners of the Lewiston community.