Laredo Job Corps Students, Staff, Supporters Celebrate 2nd Annual National Job Corps Commencement Day

August 24, 2012
For Immediate Release

Laredo Job Corps Center (LJCC) joined the 125 Job Corps centers across the country to celebrate the second annual “National Job Corps Commencement Day” ceremony, Friday, August 24, 2012 to congratulate the Job Corps students who showed Job Corps Works by completing the program this year.

LJCC is one of 125 Job Corps centers located across the country and in all 50 states. A unique national program, Job Corps offers at-risk youth a set of diverse academic opportunities and career pathways tailored to meet the needs of business and industry. Each year, Job Corps gives 60,000 youth a second chance to complete their education and advance into careers, higher education or the military.

“Put the past behind and treat today as the first day of your life. Believe in yourself and know that you can accomplish anything with hard work and “ganas,” said Councilman Jorge Vera, keynote speaker at Laredo Job Corps Center’s ceremony. Laredo Job Corps has served out-of-work young adults and the youth in our community. Many are high-school dropouts, and Job Corps helps them become active contributors to the local economy.

Mrs. Claudia Cantu, Deputy Constable Pct. 1 and former Job Corps graduate said “Life doesn’t usually follow the plans you lay out for yourself. You will all experience the highs and lows of life, the difficult and the easy and unfortunately, there may sometimes be times of too many difficulties and just not enough smooth sailing. Your true success will be defined by how you handle both of these times” She was recognized with the Success Story of the year Award

The Culinary Arts Class under the supervision of LJCC Instructor, Nemecio Dueñas, sponsored the refreshments and appetizers for all the guests. The ceremony was held inside the LJCC Education Auditorium. The Career Preparation Class was responsible for the decoration of the place. “Some students showed up very early to help me with the decorations. Some of their friends were graduating. And we hope they do the same next year” said Ruby Ramirez, Career Preparation Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator for the event.

“Take this time to appreciate your present accomplishments and realize that this is just one step into a bright future. A future of new beginnings and fresh hope for a better tomorrow for both you and your families” said Mike Fernandez III, LJCC Center Director. A total of 166 Laredo Job Corps students obtained their GED’s from August 2011-to August 2012.

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