Dozens of aspiring Job Corps students graduated from the Gainesville Job Corps Center on Tuesday, August 30, 2011. Tuesday’s event marks the first time ever that the majority of the nation’s 124 Job Corps centers have held commencement celebrations on the same day.

 Of the 138 graduates eligible to graduate, more than 80 students walked across the stage in front of dozens of cheering parents, friends and community partners.

Commencement Speaker, Pastor Natron Curtis of Mt. Zurah Missionary Baptist Church, encouraged graduates to believe in themselves, take responsibility for their actions and make a positive difference within their communities and ultimately the world. Center Director Sam Kolapo commended the graduates on a job well done and encouraged them to “dream big dreams” and work persistently to make all their dreams come true.

More than 130 students have graduated and began careers since Gainesville Job Corps last graduation in January.