Students and staff from the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center gathered on Tuesday, August 30th, 2011 for graduation services in support of National Commencement Day. The ceremony was held at the Performing Arts Center of the Excelsior Springs High School. Missouri State Representative Bob Nance of the 36th District was the guest speaker. The Reverend Doug Richey of Pisgah Baptist Church in Excelsior Springs delivered the invocation and benediction. Fifty three students representing eleven different trades were present. Students from the Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps served as the color guard and student Amiya Ellison sang “The Star Spangled Banner”.

Following an introduction by Center Director Willie Smith, Representative Nance addressed the students. He praised the students and center, telling them “you will perform well in your fields because of your training at the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center”.

Representative Nance spoke to the students about opportunities in life. Quoting Wayne Gretzky he spoke about squandering opportunities telling them: “But it is on you now to make it happen. You must not only take advantage of those opportunities that come your way but you must also go out and actively seek to seize them”.

Below: L-R NJROTC Instructor Bill Allen, Pastor Doug Richey, Center Director Willie Smith, MO State Representative Bob Nance, and Director of Career Development Caroline Pauley.

Pictured below; L-R recent graduates Cheryl Madsen, Meyone Johnson, Albertina Johnson, and Bianca Gramajo.