Jacksonville Job Corps Center held their Summer graduation Tuesday, August 30, 2011.  The graduation was held at Edward Waters College in Adams Jenkins Gymnasium at 2:00p.m.  Excitement flowed through the air as students and parents anticipated the climatic moment of their long awaited walk across the stage to receive their diplomas.  Channel 4 news anchor Melanie Lawson wowed the audience with her beaming personality and engaging presence as she honored the students and acknowledged the happy parents and friends.

Jacksonville Job Corps SGA President, Robert Thornton  shared a message with his fellow pears.  He said. “Yes, we bring our personal stories to Job Corps but with determination and purpose we rise to meet the challenges of tomorrow.  As Carpenters, Electricians, Medical Assistants, Office Assistants,  HVAC ,Pharmacy Technicians, Computers Techs, Builders, Material Handlers, CNA’s and Facility Maintenance.  Yes! We rise because we can and we will make a difference.”

Florida State Senator Anthony Hill spoke to a crowd of over400 anxious parents and students as he urged the graduates to do the following,  he said  “Trust God, Obey your parents, work hard  and Outwork  Your Peer Group, if you do these things you will be successful.”

As graduates walked across the stage to receive their reward for their hard work and determination parents, family members, staff and fellow students cheered with excitement.  The graduates and their families were treated to a wonderful reception before departing to begin a new life.