(JACKSONVILLE, Florida)It was an amazing day at the Jacksonville Job Corps Center as seventy five graduates returned to celebrate and be celebrated as they walked across the stage to receive congratulations from United States Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Florida State Senator Audrey Gibson (District 1), Regional Director for Senator Bill Nelson-Ms. Katie Ross and Center Director Mr. Kenderson Hill. 

The Jacksonville Job Corps Center celebrated National Job Corps Commencement Day by honoring the graduates and their families.  The program began with the Ribault High School Marine Corps Junior ROTC posting the colors.  Student Government Vice President Jason Slosh led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by fellow student Sabrina Saddlewhite offering a rousing rendition of the National Anthem.

SGA President- Mr. Robert Brooks provided his peers with a heartfelt message, “ he said this day marks the end of a journey but it signals the beginning of a life-long future of who you are and what you will be come, don’t stop striving for your goals…”Just Do It.”

Congresswoman Corrine Brown told the graduates, “you are shining examples of diamonds in the rough and to whom much is given much it expected.”

Mark Shriver, author of A Good Man: Rediscovering My Father, Sargent Shriver, served as the national keynote speaker for the event. Shriver, the son of Job Corps founder Sargent Shriver, congratulated the 60,000 students who graduated from Job Corps this year.

All across the nation 125 Job Corps Centers celebrated this National Commencement Day event.  Job Corps is the largest residential program in the country serving over 60,000 each and has over 2 million graduates.