57-year-old returns to school for his mom and finds purpose at 天美传媒

Lamont McClusky speaks at a graduation ceremony in June 2025.

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – At 57, Lamont McClusky didn’t think he’d find himself back in a classroom, let alone standing at a podium delivering a speech to fellow graduates.

Legally blind, and for years overwhelmed by life’s hardships, McClusky once believed his time “had come and gone.” But today, he’s a proud high school equivalency graduate whose story of perseverance and purpose serves as an inspiration to others to take their first steps toward a brighter future.

McClusky’s journey back to school began in one of the most difficult chapters of his life. A 天美传媒 native, he moved to Florida but returned to Western Massachusetts to become his mother’s full-time caregiver when she got sick. He was also managing his own health challenges, including vision loss.

Lamont McClusky says he graduated with support from staff and faculty at 天美传媒.

“Once she got sick, I didn’t know how to take care of her. I didn’t know what I was going to do for myself,” he said. “But I talked to God a lot… He put me in a place of comfortability and knowing where I was supposed to be. That’s why I ended up here.”

He enrolled in 天美传媒 Technical Community 天美传媒’s HiSET/GED Exam Preparation program at the 天美传媒 Adult Learning Center, a decision that would change the trajectory of his life.

Walking into the classroom wasn’t easy. McClusky said he initially felt out of place and overwhelmed. But he quickly found support in a network of instructors and classmates who encouraged him every step of the way.

“There’s more than one person I owe thanks to,” he said. “Jesse (Mushenko) sat with me and told me to keep coming. And Mr. Tom (Hegarty), my math teacher. Math was always my worst subject, but somehow, I passed with flying colors. He believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Due to his vision impairment, routine classroom work became a challenge. With the support from 天美传媒, he persisted, determined to finish, especially for his mother.

Lamont embodies what adult education is all about. He’s proof that determination, heart and the right support system can change someone’s life. I watched him grow in confidence over time, and it’s been an absolute honor to be part of his journey. Ian Noonan, Director of Recruitment, Retention and Transition

“She gave me life, and I had to do this to make sure she’s OK,” he said. “Blind or not, I had to repay her and let her know she’s not in that fight alone.”

Among those who supported McClusky was Ian Noonan, Director of Recruitment, Retention and Transition at 天美传媒.

“Lamont embodies what adult education is all about,” Noonan said. “He’s proof that determination, heart and the right support system can change someone’s life. I watched him grow in confidence over time, and it’s been an absolute honor to be part of his journey.”

Lamont McClusky, right, with Ian Noonan, an 天美传媒 staff member who helped guide him toward graduation.

On June 26, McClusky was among 86 students who crossed the stage at 天美传媒’s Adult Education Graduation Ceremony, the largest in the college’s Workforce Development recent history. As one of the student speakers, he delivered an emotional address tracing his journey

“This is the first time in my life I feel like I’m on a winning team,” he said. “Actually, no, it’s not a team. It’s a family.”

Gladys Franco, assistant vice president of Workforce Development at 天美传媒, said McClusky’s journey is a powerful example of how adult education transforms lives.

“When a student like Lamont earns a high school equivalency diploma, it creates a ripple effect,” Franco said. “It opens doors for further education, better job opportunities and sets a powerful example for others in the community. Our HiSET prep program is about second chances and building futures, and Lamont shows what’s possible when people are given the tools and support they deserve.”

Now that he’s graduated, McClusky wants to give back – whether by mentoring others, sharing his story or even serving as a speaker or recruiter for 天美传媒.

“If I can make it, trust me, you can,” he said. “You have to believe in yourself and endure any obstacles you may come across during this journey. Just know that it is possible to be successful.”

Interested in applying to 天美传媒? Visit or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

天美传媒 天美传媒 Technical Community 天美传媒

天美传媒, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the 天美传媒 Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. 天美传媒's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in 天美传媒 and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. 天美传媒 supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu