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PHOTOS: Essex Tech Congratulates 30 Graduates of NightHawks Advanced Manufacturing Program
Some of the graduates of the Essex Tech Nighthawks Advanced Manufacturing Program at their graduation ceremony.
Student Jesse Laschi, second from right, holds the Susan Ryan Award as he stands with members of Ryan’s family after graduation. Ryan, who passed away earlier this year, was instrumental in the running of the program for NSCC. The award honors Ryan’s sincerity and commitment to the AMTEP programs, her tireless dedication, and her overall enthusiasm and sincerity in the students’ success.
NightHawks student Rouberchaila Simmons stands with her family after graduation.
Nighthawks student Thorn Bun speaks to those in attendance at graduation.
NightHawks student Curtis Trefry stands with her family after graduation.
Family and friends attend the graduation ceremony for 30 students from Essex Tech’s NightHawks Advanced manufacturing program.

HATHORNE – Superintendent Heidi Riccio and Essex Tech are pleased to congratulate 30 graduates of the Nighthawks Advanced Manufacturing Program, which prepares unemployed, underemployed, or inexperienced adult learners for promising careers in manufacturing. 

The Nighthawks Advanced Manufacturing Program is funded by the GE Foundation and the Advanced Manufacturing Training and Expansion Program (AMTEP), with major support from North Shore Community College (NSCC) and MassHire North Shore. 

Graduates of the five-month program learn manual and CNC machining, and have been trained in the latest technology, blueprint reading, industry math, metrology and other topics relevant to working in modern manufacturing. The course also provides students opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials. 

Graduates were recognized on Thursday, July 27 at Smith Hall on the Essex Tech campus, with their families and friends in attendance. 

“Congratulations to you all. This cohort of students was one of the highest achieving ones yet,” said Dr. Martin Trice, NSCC Program Manager. “Please go out and share the stories of how this program changes lives… as it did yours. The interest from the advanced manufacturing and life science sectors grows daily so thank you for contributing to the state’s economy,” 

Trice added that faculty and students were very grateful to be able to include the presentation of the Susan Ryan award to graduate Jesse Laschi. 

Ryan, who passed away earlier this year, was instrumental in the running of the program for NSCC. The award honors Ryan’s sincerity and commitment to the AMTEP programs, her tireless dedication, and her overall enthusiasm and sincerity in the students’ success. 

In accepting the award, Laschi said, “Susan Ryan truly opened the door for me. I wasn’t sure I would be eligible for the program. I was 34, looking to change careers, and already had a degree. Through this program I have found my ‘why’ and I owe that to Susan, to my instructors and to my peers.”

“I am excited for the graduates who are about to begin a life changing career in the manufacturing industry,” said Superintendent Riccio. “The work our staff and others do to make this a program that is a model for others is amazing. I know these new machinists are appreciative of the program. We are thankful to receive funding and be able to continue this important work. I want to thank the GE Foundation, North Shore Community College and MassHire North Shore for supporting this great program.”

For more information on Nighthawks adult education programs, visit: https://essex-adulted.coursestorm.com/.

Madison Sullivan

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