The Gerald R. Ford Job corps Center celebrated their winter commencement ceremony at 1pm on Saturday, January 12^th 2013. Staff, students, friends, and the community joined together to recognize the success of the 40 graduating students.

Key Note speaker, Sergeant Philip Cooper shared his experience as a Job Corps graduate. Sergeant Cooper attended and graduated from the Ouachita Job Corps Center in Royal, Arkansas. He went on to serve as a member of the U.S Military, where he received additional training and education. Sergeant Cooper currently serves as a U.S. Army recruiter here in Grand Rapids.

 Sergeant Cooper commended the graduates for their hard work and encouraged them to continue their training and education to ensure their success.

Among the 40 graduates, 3  students went on to advanced training in their trades, 2 students went on to advanced college training, and 2 joined the U.S. Military.  

Following the presentation of certificates and turning of the tassels, the graduates joined their family and friends in one of the center cafeterias to celebrate.   

Winter 2013 Graduates

Graduates celebrating after turning their tassels