Joliet Job Corps Student Milton Calvin of Joliet won third place in a National Job Corps Association’s Oratory Competition.
    Calvin, 19, first won in the center-wide competition in early September. Then he was picked as one of the top 10 students nationally and then made the Final 4. His speech was given at the Capitol Hill’s Visitors Center on Nov. 19.  Initial judging was based on a video that can be seen on You Tube.
    “What I learned at Job Corps is I really can do anything I put my mind to,” said Calvin, a popular Christian rapper in the area known as Revelation. He has appeared at the last two Gospel Fests in Joliet.
     A member of All Nations Church of God in Joliet, Calvin was born in Joliet and attended Eliza Kelly Grade School. He spent most of his life in homeless shelters in Joliet, Chicago, Madison, Wis., and Texas before coming to Joliet Job Corps. He finished his online high school degree recently, is working on Facility Maintenance certifications and has been certified in Cement
     He is the son of Yvette Temple of Madison and says she is his inspiration. He is also a son of Darryl Calvin of Joliet and grandson of Louise Williams of Joliet. He is the youngest of five children.
     “Milton has an outstanding attitude,” said Center Director Redford Salmon. “Not everything has gone his way here, but he has learned to pick himself up and get back into the game without wasting time feeling sorry for himself. It’s exciting to watch him transform into a good citizen who now has the brightest of all futures.”
    Calvin volunteers in the community, was community service liaison for Student Government Association and has served in dorm support. He has appeared in numerous talent shows and plays on campus.
    Milton’s mother accompanied him to Washington, along with STARS Coordinator Jan Larsen. The final competition was held during a Department of Labor-sponsored gathering of Job Corps leaders.