Anaconda, MT–On the afternoon of October 10th, alongside a thousand students from every level of the local school district, Anaconda Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center (JCCCC) students rallied to promote the importance of graduating from high school. 

Graduation Matters Anaconda (GMA) is a local intiative born of a national campaign by the Office of Public Instruction to bring all educational resources together to offer kids the community-level support needed to graduate and be ready for life after high school.

Some job corps students enroll in the program because they dropped out of high school.  Job Corps, including the Anaconda JCCCC, offers such individuals more than just a second chance at attaining a GED and/or high school diploma.

Anaconda JCCCC holds graduation ceremonies on a monthly basis, honoring an average of eight students as completers of  a very comprehensive program that consists of three core elements: 

1. Trade certification papers
2. GED and/or high school diploma
3. Solid understanding of being a contributing member of a community no matter the size or scope

The rally would not have been the success that it was had it been conducted in any other fashion than the very public display of community complete with cheerleaders, a pep band, college mascots, and speakers from around the area.