Students learn many lessons at the Joliet Job Corps Center.
But out of all of them, perseverance is perhaps the most important one, said Lisa Bowman, valedictorian of the recent graduating class.
“At times, giving up seemed like the easiest thing to do,” said the 22-year-old from Chicago, talking about her training during her graduation speech. “Giving up means you don’t have to try anymore or put any effort or thought into the situation anymore.”
That decision has a price, she told the audience.
“Giving up means you don’t reach your goals, and everything you’ve sacrificed on this journey to make it this far was pointless,” Bowman said, urging the audience to never give in.
At the Aug. 14 Summer Commencement Ceremony, 111 students graduated from the programs at the Joliet Job Corps Center, 1101 Mills Road, Joliet. A large crowd of friends and family watched as the graduates walked across the stage and accepted a diploma from Center Director Christine Sanchez.
Laterious Rogers, 24, of Carbondale, was the salutatorian, and he challenged his classmates to shoot for the stars.
“I would like to ask each of you to reach inside yourselves and tap into your inner greatness that will take you higher,” Rogers said. “We have learned that we can be educated and we can obtain more. And since we can obtain more, we can give more. We can offer more to our families and communities in terms of success.”
Pat Sullivan of Shorewood was the commencement speaker. During his long history at Joliet’s University of St. Francis, he served as head basketball coach, athletic director and athletic chairman. Sullivan told the students that the key to success is the right attitude. If the students think positive thoughts, are determined and work hard, they would become leaders, he said.
The Job Corps program was created in 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to provide vocational training for disadvantaged young people aged 16 to 24. At the Joliet Job Corps Center, 1101 Mills Road, Joliet, young adults can earn their high school diploma or GED while also learning one of eight trades.