On August 16, 2019, Cleveland Job Corps Center joined 123 Job Corps centers around the country in celebrating the 9th Annual National Job Corps Commencement Day ceremony which honors the 76 trainees who successfully completed the program.  A host of family members, friends, and staff proudly celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of the students.
Cleveland Job Corps graduates were honored to have a special guest Regional Director/USDOL/ETA-Job Corps, Zina Watkins attend and speak at the ceremony.  She congratulated the students on their achievements. “This is not the end but a new beginning, so set a new goal and dream a new dream,” declared Zina. “You’ve proved that you have what it takes to be successful and we’re rooting for you.”

The ceremony commenced as Center Director, Vivian Morrow, welcomed graduates and attendees. “If you continue to grow your level of skill in your chosen field, you’ll become a master at what you do,” explained Vivian. “Whatever you do, give it 100%, find ways to do it more efficiently.” Next, Keynote Speaker County Council Representative for District 7, Yvonne Conwell, discussed her professional journey and setbacks. She and urged graduates to take the world by storm and seek their calling.

Several students accumulated multiple recognitions. Forty-one graduates completed the program with honors earning a 12.9 grade level equivalent in either math or reading. Thirteen of the trainees earned a double 12.9 grade level in both math and reading.

State Tested Nursing Assistant Isaiah Moore was one of the trainees who graduated with honors.  When asked about his experience at Job Corps he said “When I came to Job Corps, I didn’t know how I fit in. After being here for some time, I truly understand my place in the world, as well as my purpose and I, couldn’t have done any of this without the assistance of Career Transition Readiness Instructor, Varick Fuller and State Tested Nursing Assistant Instructor, Carla Widener.”

Stated Tested Nursing Assistant, Summer Sutton, also confirmed that the program really helped her. “Nursing Assistant Instructor, Jameka Bloom and Career Preparation Period Instructor, Anesha Henderson were both instrumental to my success,” said Summer.