Alaska Job Corps Center will celebrate National Commencement Day

National Commencement Day is Tuesday August 30 and thousands of graduates will walk down the aisle at Job Corps Centers all across the United States. Palmer, Alaska is the local location of these special ceremonies because it is the home of the Alaska Job Corps Center. 　The community is invited to the 2pm ceremony. The speaker will be Millie Johnson, Vice President of Chugach Alaska Corporation’s Shareholder Relations. 　Senator Begich and Senator Murkowski will be sending representatives and a personalized video for the occasion. 　Here is a listing of the 36 successful graduates from the Alaska Job Corps Center:

Ericka Ranee Reimann is from Big Lake and receives her certification in Culinary Arts. 　She says, “Job Corps was hard at the beginning and Math was extremely difficult. 　Chef Graham made it easier because he taught an understandable culinary application to math problems.” Ericka has completed the program in one year and will be going on to college. 　She says the only reason she is moving forward is because Job Corps staff 　and students are so proud and supportive of her efforts.

Samantha D. Tatum is from Palmer/Sutton and is also receiving a certification in Culinary Arts and Hospitality. 　She is now employed at Primrose Center in Wasilla. Tasiana Sugar, from Anchorage, is also graduating in Culinary Arts; she also completed CPR and received her Alaska Driver’s License as part of the Job Corps program.

Katie Weeks-Walker is from Palmer and graduated in Accounting Services. 　This includes certification in payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and a bookkeeping requirement. In addition she completed her high school diploma and Alaska Driver License.

Angelyn Kimberly Felthauser is from Palmer and graduated with High School Diploma, CPR, and Business MOS. 　Angelyn says, “Job Corps opened up hundreds of opportunities that I never would have had other-wise.”

Sirena Camille is from Nunam Iqua and completes with a Business Certification, Driver’s License, and Customer Service Certificate.　 She is furthering her education with Medical Billing and Coding. 　

Health Occupations student Rhonda Twitchell is from Anchorage and graduates with a CNA, PCA, CPR & First Aide certification and Driver’s License. 　She will be working at the Providence Extended Care Center. Ellen Gaither, from Anchorage, has completed her PCA, CNA, First Aide and CPR.　 She will be working in the Valley and is already employed but will continue her education and career in medicine.　 Amanda Dawn Moncey is from Anchorage and graduates with her CNA, PCA, High school diploma and a driver’s license. 　Amanda was able to participate in the Advanced Career Training program at the college. She is employed with Caring Hand in Eagle River. Melissa R. Nelson is from Chugiak; she is now certified as a Nurse Assistant and Home Health Care Aide. She is currently working at Key Bank in Eagle River.

Mariam Carroll is from Anchorage and graduates with a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification in Business. 　She is employed at Exxon Mobil and NMS Staffing. 　

Jacquee E. Grimes and Dolores Pitts, from Anchorage, will graduate with their certification in Accounting Services. 　Delores additionally completed Business Office certification and will sing for graduation.

Mary N. Afcan, from St. Marys, and Kristina Asicksik, from Bethel, will graduate with certification in Pre-apprentice carpentry. 　Both were trade foreman and, not surprisingly, are fully employed at this time.

 Tyler Z. Barnes from Wasilla and Remberto A. Roa, IV, from Anchorage are certified Computer Service Technicians. 　Tyler is employed at the movie theater in Wasilla.

Christopher Evans, from Anchorage has completed his Hazwoper, OSHA, NSTC and High School Diploma.　 He has secured an apprentice electrician position, on the North Slope, with Tesla Electric LLN.　 Chris says, “I loved every minute of Job Corps and I got an awesome job, because of my training. “　 Travis K. Grella and Jeremy Diggs are also from Anchorage and graduate with their certification in pre-apprentice Electrical.

Andrew J. Schultz and Rueben Schwartz are from Palmer and graduating in pre-apprentice Facilities Maintenance. 　John Delarm is from Austin, Texas and also graduates in pre-apprentice Facilities Maintenance.

Max Q. Wolf is from Delta Junction and Scott Swank is from Palmer. 　Both are graduating as pre-apprentice Heavy Equipment operators.

Stuart D. Maurer, from Wasilla, Heather Beltz, from Anchorage, and Uriah M. Urban, from Reno Nevada are receiving their certification in Behavioral Health. 　Both students are already employed.

Dezeray E. Iberra, from Wasilla, and Jonathan D. Jacobs, from Anchorage, are graduating with their Nurse Assistant Certification and their Home Health Aide certification. Jonathan also attended college in advanced career training, while at Alaska Job Corps.

 Christopher K. Vance, from Sutton, Cherilyn E. Jacob, from Napaskiak, and Halie P. Reeder, from Battle Ground, Washington received their Office Administration Certifications.

 Cole V. Cotter and Joshua M. Petersen, from Wasilla are now Distribution and Collections Operators. 　Brian G. Pshar, from Palmer, is now a Water/Wastewater Treatment Operator.