Melissa says goodbye and rings the Bell of Success before heading to Advanced Training.

Melissa Lewis was at Northlands Job Corps Academy for less than a year. Still, during that short time the Business Technologies student made a big impact across the campus and in the surrounding community.

“She is a very positive and intelligent young woman,” says Jamie Lee Kiley, advisor to the group Ladies of Success of which Melissa was a part. “She has incredible dedication and assisted in multiple activities on and off campus.”

Melissa in on her way to Shriver Job Corps Center in Massachusetts for the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program, where she will prepare for a career in the transportation industry.

“I’m so excited,” Melissa said before leaving. “I’m proud of myself for making it this far.”

Originally from New Haven, Connecticut and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, the 20 year old woman is eager to see where the road takes her. “I’m going to miss everyone here,” she said. “There are so many people that helped me get where I am.”

When asked about her fellow members in the Ladies of Success, Melissa choked up. “LOS is a sisterhood that I will cherish forever.”

Ms. Kiley said the group won’t be the same without Melissa. “I could always count on her to help out in any way. She was fantastic.”