Uncle Sam wants you to vote

To vote or not to vote, that is the question?  Why do people vote?  Why do people not vote?  Does voting really make a difference?  Why you should vote?  These are important questions and I am sure you can come up with more.  The local election for Haverhill City Councilors and School Committee along with Lawrence Councilors and Lawrence Vo-Tech Representation is on the horizon and will take place November 7, 2023.

At Haverhill High School, a forum was held on October 16, 2023 for the community to listen and ask questions from the city councilors that are running in Haverhill.

The AP Government Class taught by Shaun Ashworth organized and hosted this forum and hosted another forum October 26, 2023 for school committee candidates.  The students were directly involved in the creation and implementation of both forums.   Ashworth challenged his class to get involved and Student Emmerson Cerasuolo, who is the vice president of the Student Council and a member of the AP Government Class stated “it is time to get involved and educate ourselves to get out and vote as soon as you turn 18.”

Cerasuolo also stated “we are granted this right and it is our duty to vote.”

Ashworth stated “I think it’s important that young people are civically engaged and register to vote because they are the next generation of leaders.  We have to support them so that they can lead our county effectively in the future.”  Ashworth went on to say “That means we need to provide them with the skills necessary to make informed choices.  In light of the aging leadership right now it is of utmost importance…. They are the future.”

Northern Essex Community College American Government Professor Stephen Slaner said he believes it would be an interesting concept to have a one day voter registration for all students at NECC.

“Voting is a way for citizens to register their preferences on an equal basis with respect to the issue of the day, two of which are matters of life and death. Nuclear weapons and climate change,” stated Slaner.  He goes on to say “Nevertheless, ours is a very imperfect democracy in which some people‘s voices matter a lot more than others.  “One person one vote” ignores the ways in which money and power influence what actually happens in our political system.”

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Auditor Diana DiZoglio believes “it is extremely important for the next generation to get involved because decisions that are being made now at the ballot box involve their future.”

According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Education website, there are close to 10,000 high school students in schools in Lawrence and Haverhill.  Northern Essex Community College has another 4,000 students.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are eligible to register when you are 16 although you cannot officially vote until you turn 18.

At Northern Essex Community College, having the word community in the name is the key to getting the community involved in this very important initiative, it would highlight the important role the college plays in the future of our communities.

If Northern Essex would lead the charge and organize a voter registration day within the area would be a worthwhile initiative.

They could utilize traditional media outlets such as WHAV Radio, The Eagle Tribune and all of the social media outlets.  Sort of like a blood drive, where you collect blood to nourish bodies, you register to vote to nourish student’s minds.  YOU IN?

 

A sweet indulgence with a serious message: Respiratory Care Club sheds light on lung health

Two women stand in front of models of the human lung. The models show a healthy lung and a diseased lung.
Respiratory Care Club held a bake sale honoring National Respiratory Care Week at NECC’s Lawrence campus. At the entrance of the main lobby, a large display was presented: two real pig lungs – one a healthy shade of pink, the other blue and disease ridden. Photo by Idalmis Camilo

In a tradition that began in 2011, the Respiratory Care Club held a bake sale honoring National Respiratory Care Week at NECC’s Lawrence campus. The event not only succeeded in pleasing one’s sweet tooth, but also served as a crucial platform to educate and raise awareness about respiratory health.

National Respiratory Care Week was established by former President Ronald Reagan in 1982, and to this day serves as a testament to respiratory care professionals’ contributions to the field. On its fifth anniversary Reagan delivered a speech acknowledging the evolution of life-saving technology and the dedicated workers who have transformed the field, commenting on how their contributions have revolutionized the health care system. He praised the recent advances, saying how progress “from the amazing capabilities of the first iron lungs to today’s use of computerized ventilators” have allowed health care workers in the field to “perform miracles,” Reagan said in a speech in 1987.

Since its inception, the bake sale has drawn inspiration from the movement started by Reagan and has continuously proven to be a success. With an array of sweet treats, the event draws in many people through word of mouth and curious interest. Funds raised go towards supporting the club’s pinning ceremony, raising their collective morale as they educate the public on a heavy topic.

Jomayra Orona, 27, Respiratory Care major at NECC and Respiratory Care club member, emphasized the importance of raising awareness, saying “respiratory care is not one of the first things people think about when it comes to health care; we want to change that.” The bake sale wasn’t just a showcase of sweet baked goods, but an interactive experience designed to illuminate the complexities of respiratory health. At the entrance of the main lobby, a large display was presented: two real pig lungs – one a healthy shade of pink, the other blue and disease ridden. Connected to the lungs was a machine simulating the motion of breath, demonstrating the stark contrast between the two and serving as a poignant visual of the impact of respiratory diseases. Jennifer Jackson, Professor and Program Director of Respiratory Care, watched her students expertly navigate the exhibit, demonstrating their enthusiasm and knowledge, saying “you won’t find people more passionate about a cause.”

The club members’ commitment to raising awareness about respiratory health was apparent, as Orona also took the opportunity to address a growing concern in respiratory health: vaping. She said, “Vaping is worse than smoking cigarettes. It introduces a lot of different chemicals into your lungs, like formaldehyde. That’s not to say smoking is good; it’s just the lesser of two evils.” Her assessment underscores the urgency of educating the public, especially the youth, about the risks of vaping. Through immersive exhibits and educational conversations, the club members brought the words of Reagan to life, affirming that “technology and human compassion continue to work miracles” (Reagan, AARC 30th Anniversary Speech, 1987) in respiratory care.

 

For further information and news on Respiratory Care, visit AARC.org

NECC baseball: A fresh start

When the Knights came down to their last swing in Greeneville, Tennessee, against program Dallas Eastfield in the Junior College World Series emotions were high. 

When your season ends in Tennessee, even if you don’t make it to the finals, even if you finish third, even if you don’t bring home the natty you should feel good about the accomplishment. 

Only eight teams make it to Tennessee. 

As the Fall rolls around a new class of Knights emerge from all over the state, with that being said there are returners who will take on a bigger role this year going into the 2024 season. 

Certain names include leadoff hitter from Lynn Jomar Moreta, a spring transfer who had a batting average of .354 with 20 stolen bases. 

Also returning are middle infielder Chris Bear from Boston and veteran pitcher Jayden Voelker from Rhode Island. 

One reason for the program’s success is how well the players are good at turning boys to men.

One major concern returners had when others moved on to other programs were who would step up and who would play a leadership role. 

Earlier this week I spoke to year three veteran pitcher Jayden Voelker. I asked him how he feels the team can handle all the preassure with the recent 2023 season and if they can do it all again. 

“Yes I do, we have alot of veterans in big parts of field and in our pitching,’’ said Voelker. “The preassure is always good.”

After a fall double header against Division 2 program Saint Anslem the Knights came home with a win in the first game and a tie game with three runs a piece in the second. The Knights still have some fine tuning to be made in terms of chemistry and getting used to each other but time will tell with the new class of Northen Essex Community College Knights.

Editor’s Note: Elijah Thibodeux is a member of the NECC baseball team.

PACE students visit UMass Lowell

Two students sit at a table at UMass Lowell.
PACE students recently went on a field trip to UMass Lowell. Photo by Campus Life Editor Karen P. Stokes

On Friday Sept. 29, students from the PACE/TRIO programs went on a field trip and toured UMASS Lowell’s North and East campuses. Since Northern Essex Community College has a joint admissions agreement with  UMass Lowell, the partnership between the two schools is most beneficial when students are looking forward to continuing their education after a 2-year college. 

The purpose of the trip was to educate the students on the services that UMass Lowell provides to students that want to transfer. 

Students, along with the PACE staff, Transfer Adviser Jessica Rocker, Data Specialist Christine Carbone and Academic Adviser Esther Peralta left that day from the Haverhill campus enroute to the Lawrence campus to pick up students there. Upon arrival, the day began at the office of undergraduate admissions and there the students met up with a UMass Lowell nursing student who was the tour guide.

 After getting the students signed in, the tour started by walking over to the North Campus where the students visited the Saab Emerging Technology & Innovation Center, home to different academic departments and programs. UMass Lowell’s North campus’ academic programs are majors in the areas of engineering, math, science and business management. As a nationally ranked research university UMass Lowell is also home to a nuclear engineering program. On the tour, the students were able to see from a distance where the innovative nuclear engineering program does its research with the uses of nuclear energy in the advancement of clean energy. It was surprising to learn that UMass Lowell had such an outstanding program that takes part in developing new technology and taking the lead in innovation. 

Also, on the North campus the students were able to see a newly built state-of-the-art science laboratory. The laboratory not only aids but assists the students in staying on top and at the forefront of discovery in breakthroughs in science.

There were many students in the halls of UMass as students were let out of their classes and went to the next class. PACE/TRIO students learned some of the history behind UMass Lowell too. Much of the tour consisted of students being informed, looking at what the school looked like and seeing firsthand the day-to-day operations of the school as classes were in session. 

The UMass Lowell campus offers a variety of well-known franchises, which are Starbucks, Subway and Einstein Bros. Bagels in various locations on campus.

Although it was a cold and rainy day, the spirits of the students were high for having the opportunity of taking part in the tour. The tour ended with PACE/TRIO students and staff having lunch in the East campus’ dining hall of the school. 

After lunch, the students met with Barbara Lang, assistant director of transfer admissions for undergraduates. Lang explained the process and pathway needed to make the transition to UMass Lowell. She gave an easy breakdown of what transferring to  UMass Lowell would consist of. She gave an overview of tuition costs and how transfer students would benefit from scholarships and having a good academic standing. 

Lang  also introduced us to a new program that the school is offering students called TAP, which stands for Transfer Alliance Program. The program is designed to help transfer students make their transition easy by meeting and making friends with other first semester transfer students.  

In doing so the program hopes to make strong peer alliances, have access to networking and connect with resources and services on campus. 

After speaking Lang allowed the students to ask questions. She answered questions and helped the students to understand the transfer process. Before leaving  UMassLowell, Lang provided each student with an information packet that included a transfer guide that would help aid the students in their decision.

UMass Lowell has over 120 majors and has many student clubs to choose from. UMass Lowell is now having fall open house through Nov. 18. If you cannot make the open house, you can always sign up for a tour at uml.edu/tours. If are not able to go on a tour but are interested in transferring, go to transfer@uml.edu

NECC students and information on campus

A bulletin board in a hallway with flyers on it.
A bulletin board on Haverhill Campus highlights a wide variety of activities on campus. Photo by Campus Life Editor Demiya Silva

Northern Essex Community College has shown to have a continued interest in engaging its students in all aspects of being an NECC Knight. This is true whether through the college’s various clubs and organizations, honor societies, civic engagement, as well as many other opportunities the campus provides.

The NECC website encourages students to “try new things and connect with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds.” 

“There are clubs to join, events to attend,” says the website’s “Clubs & Organizations” page.

NECC students, even if not personally engaged in campus life, are aware of the seemingly infinite opportunities for students. 

Roy Francis, a 19 year old biology major in his first semester at NECC, is no exception to this idea. “Typically I get a text on my phone since I signed up for alerts,” Francis says when asked how he usually receives information about events or clubs on campus. He also states that he “see(s) (opportunities) in (his) email.”

Jalayne Medina, an 18 year old first-year student and psychology major, shares similar sentiments to Francis in that she sees things regarding campus life “on (her) email.” 

A bulletin board hanging in a hallway with flyers on it.
A bulletin board on the Haverhill campus highlights the importance of voting. Photo by Campus Life Editor Demiya Silva

NECC has various bulletin boards posted around all buildings on campus. These boards contain not only clubs and events, but also important resources in many fields. Specifically, there are boards about being an informed voter, as well as being registered.  

“I usually see the awareness months (on the bulletin boards), like how October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Francis says.

 Medina also shares that she has seen posters for this month of awareness, much like Francis. Francis also explains how he has found information about the conflict in Palestine and Gaza on bulletin boards. This has helped him to be more informed on this conflict.

Feelings on if there are possibly better ways for students to receive information have shown to be mixed. Francis answers “yes and no” to this question. Medina says that she “think(s) it’s good the way it is,” when asked the same question.

Francis brings up how he once saw someone with a table in the Spurk building. This person was talking about being registered to vote. “If someone was talking about (events on campus), people would be more inclined to want to know,” Francis says. He believes that seeing “the face” of certain events could help to visualize what being a part of the event could be like for a student.

LGBTQ+ pride on campus: An exploration into NECC’s GSA

A poster for NECC's GSA club
Photo by Campus Life Editor Demiya Silva

Pride and representation for the LGBTQ+ community has become an increasingly important issue in our country. There are many laws currently being proposed nationwide that put members of the community at serious risk. 

At Northern Essex Community College, the GSA, or Gender and Sexuality Alliance, according to the “Clubs & Organizations’’ page on the NECC website, “provides an environment for students inside and outside of the LGBTAI+ community to be comfortable in their identity, have insightful conversations, and find peace in a truly accepting community.”

Cheryl Wilson, a disability services specialist at NECC’s Center for Accessibility, is currently in her second year of being the adviser of the GSA. 

“It’s an important club that couldn’t not happen,” Wilson said. 

Wilson acknowledges the many LGBTQ+ students at Northern Essex, hoping they will be able to find the club. 

When asked if she feels the community is well represented on campus, Wilson shares that “the heart is in the right place.” 

Wilson has concerns regarding the current social climate right now, saying “it’s extremely important that everyone feels safe here.”

Wilson is not the only person that emphasizes the importance of a club like the GSA on campus. 

Colby Patrie is an art and psychology major at NECC, as well as a longtime member of the GSA. 

“It’s just something I always did,” Patrie says when asked what inspired him to join the club. 

He further shares that he had a part in creating the GSA at his high school. 

To Patrie, the importance of pride in a college setting is in the ability to feel safe within one’s surroundings, as well as “talking about (pride) as if it’s a normal conversation, because it is.” 

To Dakota Iversen, a liberal arts and psychology major, as well as a longtime member of the GSA, “coming to college and being able to see that you’re welcomed here makes college a far more pleasant experience.” 

Iversen talks openly about the safe space that the GSA created for her, stating that “last year (she) was still in the closet entirely.” 

This experience slightly parallels that of business transfer major Lirianni German, a new member of the club, who “decided to join GSA to at least try to find people that (she’s) kind of like.” 

“It taught me to be proud of what I am, and not to change,” German says when asked about the impact that GSA has had on her over such a short period of time.

Allyship, as defined by Center for Creative Leadership, is “actions, behaviors, and practices that leaders take to support, amplify, and advocate with others, most especially with individuals who don’t belong to the same social identities as themselves.” 

The question “What can people who are not part of the communities do now to be better allies?” was met with varying reactions, including a “what a doozy,” from Iversen. 

“Learn from (LGBTQ+ people’s) experiences,” she expands. 

“Allyship is in actions and taking steps to educate yourself, being aware of rights and laws that are currently going on,” says Patrie, who also promotes the use of more inclusive language when discussing trying topics in the community. 

Wilson speaks on the importance of supportive faculty and staff, saying that she “would love to see safe space stickers around campus and in classrooms, but only if they’re actually a safe space.” Wilson recognizes the fact that it would be harmful for non-inclusive spaces to have stickers that promote a positive environment.

GSA is doing more than just discussing the importance of their club. 

They had a widely successful table at the U-Knighted Fair at NECC’s Haverhill campus, during which they gave away various pins, stickers and resources for useful and educational information. 

They have also been discussing opportunities for different events that the club could host, including possible performances from queer artists at NECC.

The GSA meets on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. in C210. 

For more information about the club contact Faculty Adviser Cheryl Wilson, cwilson@necc.mass.edu.

‘A Field of Lost Hair Ties’ on display in NECC gallery

Black and white drawing of a woman gathering up a huge pile of hair ties
A glimpse of the art featured in “A Field of Lost Hair Ties,” exhibit currently on disply in the Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace Gallery inside the Bentley Library on the Haverhill campus. Photo by Arts and Entertainment Editor Caroline Magner

Tall, teetering towers of snakelike rings stand tall and sway a bit, forming the appearance of some strange forest. 

Upon further inspection, however, these snakelike rings of which the towering figures are teeming with appear to be elastic hair ties. 

This is what one can expect to see in Sam Modder’s solo art exhibition, A Field of Lost Hair Ties, which is currently on view at the Northern Essex Community College art gallery. 

The story of Modder’s piece becomes unraveled on the walls to the viewer as they stroll through the exhibit: A young Black woman dressed in a short nightdress and striped knee socks attempts to wrangle up the heaps of hair ties, stopping midway through and using one of the hair ties to pull back the frizzy curls from her own face. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Modder’s piece is the incredible detail. 

At a glance, it’s all shadow and light but up close, the viewer can identify countless lines drawn in black ballpoint pen, which Modder says has been digitally manipulated. 

In certain spots, the artwork actually leaps off from the white backdrop, and seemingly appears to flood into the gallery. 

The drawings themselves entering and sharing the space with the viewer; as Modder says herself in a statement on the piece, she works to “portray larger-than-life Black, female characters taking up space in real and imagined worlds.” 

This she captures perfectly.

“ I like the distinction of the lines, as well as the negative space, (the contrast of the two)really makes everything stand out. The hair is my favorite part,” one person wrote in the notebook offered to visitors to express their thoughts on the work. 

A close up of black and white drawing of woman's face with hair ties coming out by her mouth,
A close up of Sam Modder’s exhibit, “A Field of Lost Hair Ties.” Photo by Arts and Entertainment Editor Caroline Magner

The Northern Essex’ gallery, called the Linda Hummel-Shea ArtSpace Gallery, is located inside of the Bentley Library on the Haverhill campus and has been home to many art exhibits over the years, including works from the school’s current students as well as outside artists, like Modder. 

Sam Modder is a Nigerian-born artist and graduate from Dartmouth College. 

On her website she introduces herself by saying “I draw Black people taking up space in all their texture, vibrancy and power… I want my art to take up space, be accessible and exude truth, joy and hope.”

The exhibit will be on display until Nov. 3. 

Album Review: ‘Guts’ by Olivia Rodrigo

Photo of singer Olivia Rodrigo
“Guts” Album Cove Photo by Geffen Records

In a September dominated by headlines of Taylor Swift and Beyonce touring the world, Olivia Rodrigo made sure not to be forgotten with the release of her sophomore album GUTS on September 8th. Rodrigo had previously made massive waves with her 2021 debut SOUR, which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200. To say anticipation was high for her follow up would be an understatement, as she went on to net seven Grammy nominations and three wins later that year, including Best New Artist. That level of acclaim comes with just as much pressure, as many waited to see if Rodrigo could overcome the infamous “sophomore slump” that’s plagued new pop stars’ second albums in the past. 

After the release of lead single “vampire” on June 30th and its follow up “bad idea right?” On August 8th, Rodrigo would release Guts a month later in September. Consisting of 12 tracks, the album dives into what Rodrigo referred to as “growing pains” in an interview with Pitchfork preceding “vampire’s” release. “I feel like I grew 10 years between the ages of 18 and 20—it was such an intense period of awkwardness and change.” The album explores the topics thoroughly; whether it be the self aware sarcasm of  “all-american bitch” and “bad idea right,” the self loathing on “lacy” and “making the bed,” or the gentle heart ache of “pretty isn’t pretty” and “teenage dream.” 

The album was met with widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Sites like Rolling Stone awarded it five stars, applauding Rodrigo’s sharp song-writing, as well as the embrace of pop-punk and rock stylings throughout the record. Pitchfork gave it an 8.0, an improvement over Sour’s 7.0 from 2021. “The pop star rocks out on her biting, charismatic second album,”  Cat Zhang writes in her review. “Turning the ritual humiliations of girlhood into dazzling, over-the-top spectacles.” The album currently sits at a 91 on MetaCritic, with a user score of 7.8. 

Rodrigo shares the age of many second year students here at NECC, so I went out to ask what they thought of Guts. Liberal Arts major Jasmyne Gomez was certainly a fan, saying she enjoyed all of the songs. Her particular favorites were “logical” and “lacy.” Music major Jacob McLean agreed with Jasmyne’s enthusiasm, saying he loved the album and found it better than her debut. “She played into the pop-punk aesthetic, which I really liked.” Liberal Arts major Parker Houston, although admitting to finding pop music hit or miss, still found aspects to like in Guts. “Her voice is great throughout, even though I did not relate to the album.” Gutsdebuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with all 12 tracks making it into the top 40 of the Hot 100.

‘Almost Maine’ hits the stage at NECC

Two women on stage with wintry backdrop
“Almost Maine” Cast members Adrianna Neefus and Mirrorajah Metcalfe Photo courtesy of Brianne Beatrice

It’s fall at NECC. The leaves are changing, students are settling into their routines, and the annual autumn play is just around the corner. This year students and faculty are being treated to John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” (stylized with a comma), directed by professor Brianne Beatrice. Having worked at NECC for the past 15 years and been involved in theater since her childhood, she’s earned several degrees that have helped bolster her nearly 20-year career as a professor in theater, acting, directing, and communications. This year’s play is one that Beatrice has a particular history with. 

“In 2008…I went to the Majestic in West Springfield and I saw a production of it (‘Almost, Maine’) and I fell in love with it,” she told me when asked how she first discovered the play. “I took the play to a theater in Marblehead and I pitched it.” She offered to handle everything herself, from directing, sound design, set design, costumes, to even starring in it. She was granted permission, and with the help of her friends who were fellow actors, they put on a production in 2010 to great success. This led them to being picked up by a theater program based in Salem, Mass, which paid Beatrice and her cast to revive the show in 2012.

This fall, Beatrice finds herself once again in the directing chair for “Almost Maine.” The cast and crew have been rehearsing the production since September, and Beatrice takes pride in her and her cast’s work.“I’m proud of all of it,” she answered when asked about her experience directing this production.  She highlighted the hardwork from the cast, as well as the pleasure to work with NECC alumni and professional actor Michael Zuccola, who is guest starring in the production. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the students to learn the professional field of acting and be inspired by someone who’s out in the world working in this field, and who was once a student here at NECC,” she added. “It’s super inspiring to see the students get excited about the work.” 

When asked why people should see “Almost Maine,” her original love for the play that she first discovered 15 years ago was still burning bright. “It’s just an incredible experience,” she answered. The play features a series of vignettes or stories between lovers, a premise that Beatrice likened to the film “Love Actually.”  

“It’s a great way to kick off the holidays and get into the spirit,” Beatrice added.

In addition to featured star Zuccola, the  production stars Adrianna Neefus, Mirrorajah Metcalfe, Olivia Barberian, Yuliana Troncoso and Angela Gabriel. Its show times are Oct. 26 at 4:00 p.m, Oct. 27 at 7:00 p.m, Oct. 28 at 7:00 p.m, and Oct 29 at 2:00 p.m. General admission is $20 and $10 for students and senior.

NECC offers online classes for cannabis careers

For students looking to further a career in the cannabis industry, Northern Essex  Community College is here to help. NECC is now offering 3 different courses relating to a career in the cannabis industry. These classes include Cannabis Cultivation Specialist Certificate,  Cannabis Retail Specialist Certificate, and Cannabis Extraction and Product Development Specialist Certificate, according to the NECC website. These classes are offered fully online and cost $800 each with payment plans available. 

Each class includes instant access to the online program, expert instructors and top industry leaders, and access to the GF Institute Employer Network. Students will also earn a digital credential that can be published and advanced rankings for relevant job openings. 

Each class also includes engaging video lectures, informative readings, and interactive activities, all designed to enhance knowledge on the cannabis cultivation, retail, and extraction and product development industry. 

“I think NECC offering classes like this is such a good idea,” said Haverhill resident and Political Science major Julia Rodgers. “There’s so much stuff to learn about as well. I would love to learn about the industry.”

The cannabis industry is one that is growing at a high rate, with NECC becoming one of the only schools in the area to take advantage of it. 

According to the NECC website there is now more legal cannabis workers than insurance sales agents, and 3 times as many cannabis workers than dentists in the United States, creating a higher need for schools like NECC to investin this booming industry. 

The 2023 Vangst Cannabis Industry Salary Guide shows that students who invest in this program could end up making up to $150,000 a year, proving that the cannabis industry is a wildly growing investment. 

Many students and educators expressed their support for the program, explaining that they believed it was a cool and interesting idea, including NECC student Josh Pasciuto and 

“I think business wise, it’s a really good idea to get invested,” said Pasciuto. “It’s a  business where you could actually make a lot of money.” 

“How else are people supposed to learn about a career in the cannabis industry,” added Haverhill resident Hannah Kiernan. 

“It’s such a smart idea,” she said. 

Many students also agreed that cannabis education is cannabis safety and showed their support for the program that way. 

Haverhill resident and student Jordyn Kilroy expressed her agreement for cannabis education. 

“I think education on the topic is important. The use of cannabis is becoming so normalized now-a-days, you don’t realize that you can become consumed by it,” she said. 

NECC offers the classes fully online, and they can be completed at your own pace. More information on the programs offered on the NECC website.