The Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) operating under Horizons Youth Services (HYS) observed Earth Day on Friday, April 22, 2016. The center planted two trees to commemorate the staff and students who recently passed away at the center’s entrance. Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison opened the ceremony welcoming staff and students in attendance. “As the center observes Earth Day, we plant these trees in remembrance of staff, Melinda Atkins, Kurt Romans, Patricia Higginbotham, James Irving and students, Adam Lee and Lanavia Gray” said Welch.

Camilla Neal, Records Supervisor read a poem, “The Dash” by Linda Ellis. Willie Brown, Center Director and Raymond Blust, Finance & Administration Director shoveled the dirt for the tree planting. Brown said, “Each day you drive on center you will be reminded of them and the work we do to change lives.” The Cleveland Select Pear trees were planted by Facilities Maintenance students. A special thanks to all staff and students who assisted in the ceremony. The first Earth Day was in 1970. The theme for Earth Day 2016 is Tree Planting. Individuals, organizations are encouraged to plant trees and practice environment friendly behaviors, not just today but every day. If you would like more information visit www.earthday.org

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.