Friday, June 13, 2025
At 63, Maria Baugh never imagined she would be honored with an award for education — especially since she hadn’t stepped foot in a classroom in 45 years. She didn’t know how to be a student.
Growing up in Jamaica Baugh carried responsibilities far beyond her age. At 15, she became pregnant and decided to drop out of high school to raise her child. Ever since, earning her diploma remained a dream she never let go of. She aimed to forge an economical future for herself.
She moved to the United States, leaving her husband behind during the Covid-19 pandemic, first staying with her daughter in North Carolina before settling in Uniondale with her sister five years ago.
“I have a girlfriend slash daughter, I have a grown child and in Jamaica after having her I have been out of school ever since,” said Baugh.
It was in Uniondale where Baugh finally chose to return to school after realizing most jobs — including home health aide positions she was interested in — required a high school diploma.
While some students earn a traditional high school diploma, others pursue an equivalency exam such as the GED (general educational development). Programs like the one Baugh enrolled in help individuals who didn’t complete high school or were educated abroad prepare for the exam.
At the Adult Learning Center in Levittown, Baugh sat in the back of the classroom, ashamed of being the oldest — a grandmother among younger students, she said — and unsure how to use a laptop.
”I did not know how to use a laptop, not at all,” said Baugh. “But I’m picking it up really fast, I’m learning.”
Her teacher, Cathy Rooney, said Baugh was given a computer to take home because she didn’t own one. For a student to be loaned a computer was rare, Rooney said, because special permission was needed and it was not included in the budget.
Baugh struggled to understand the material and couldn’t navigate digital tools, which are now standard in most classrooms.
A 2022 education department survey found that 94 percent of U.S. high school students now use laptops for their studies, along with 74 percent of students in grades K-8. The widespread shift to digital learning has made technology second nature to many, but not everyone has adapted as easily.
”When I would come home (from school) my grandniece would help me, and eventually I start learning more,” Baugh said.
Baugh’s experience highlights the growing digital divide between generations. While younger students have grown up with devices in hand, older learners often face challenges
that go beyond academics — from digital literacy to confidence using new tools.
“I was ashamed, I was sitting in the back of the class because I’m the eldest, I’m the grandmother there,” said Baugh. “But that didn’t help me learn, Ms. Rooney noticed that I’m really slow.”
Rooney noticed Baugh’s difficulties and moved her to the front of the room, despite Baugh’s insecurity about being in a classroom with students in their mid- to late-20s. The change helped her engage more with the material.
“The exam is completely online. It’s a bit of a disservice if you don’t know how to use a computer,” Rooney said. “If your not familiar with keyboard or how to navigate the mouse.”
From there, Baugh’s learning improved. Math became her favorite subject, even though taking math exams on the computer remained a source of stress.
All her math tests are digital, which made it difficult for her to keep up. During exams, she often sat frozen until others stepped in to guide her through the process. She compared her learning journey to being a child again, with her teacher gently guiding her as she figured things out.
“People come and they pass and gone, I’m still there,” Baugh said. “And I would start helping, I start helping people with math because I know math, now I start helping.”
For three years Baugh watched other students attending the school, passing their exams and leaving. Rooney says for Baugh it is common that she would be there more than the average two years. However, the learning center cannot keep students longer than five years as seats are high in demand for those trying to earn their diploma.
When Rooney nominated Baugh for the George Farber Outstanding Student Award, she was overwhelmed with emotion. Her nomination recognized her resilience and drive to earn a diploma later in life.
Rooney described Baugh’s progress as remarkable — a transformation from knowing little to learning far more than she ever expected — and described the award in her case as “the spirit award.”
Baugh needs to pass math and science, as she has already completed her history and English courses — as long as she can master using a computer during tests.
This year, she was honored by Nassau BOCES; an education service agency that provides shared services to school districts. The agency annually celebrates students, educators and individuals who show determination, academic growth and a commitment to their goals.
For the past 17 years students were given the George Farber Award that is named in honor of Nassau County’s longest-serving board member, who championed education and student advocacy from 1971 to 2009.
Baugh was among 18 students were honored on May 19, with the George Farber Outstanding Student Award, which recognizes academic achievement, strong character and dedication to community service. Her husband flew in from Jamaica and her daughter and granddaughter came from North Carolina.
“I was in tears and tears,” Baugh said. “And when I went to the award, and I saw my picture, I went there with my family, I cried again.”
For more details and the full list of 2025 honorees, go to the Nassau BOCES George Farber Outstanding Student Awards page at, tinyurl.com/GeorgeFarber2025
