Pinellas County Job Corps Center had 55 students walk in their 1st Graduation ceremony on August 30th.  The graduates were all in our Health Care Trades; Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Assistant, and Nursing Assistant.  Our SGA President, Jillian Munoz and SGA Senator, John McBennett gave speeches from an Associate’s Perspective – both received standing ovations.  The other associates that helped in the program were Senator Branden Jones, Pledge of Allegiance; Ciara Williams, National Anthem;  and The PCJCC Choir.

 Our students were very honored to have Congressman Young as our commencement speaker.  Congressman Young was introduced by Mayor Bill Foster.  Congressman Young is the longest sitting Republican in Washington, D.C. (42 years)  Congressman Young was also on center November 9, 2010 to help welcome our first class of students that arrived on center.  Pinellas County Job Corps Center enjoys a great relationship and support from Congressman Young. Because of his efforts and Senator Bill Nelson we have our Center in Pinellas County!  The graduation was also attended by City Council members Wengay Newton, Bill Dudley and Jeff Danner. Senator Nelson was represented by Shahra Anderson, Regional Director and Congresswoman Castor was represented by Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Deputy District Director.  Washington D.C. Chief of Staff, Harry Glenn and Pinellas Constituent Liaison Davide Macon from Congressman Young’s offices were also in attendance.

Pinellas County Job Corps Center was grateful to have LaVera Leonard, President of NJCA at our graduation.  Pictured below is Benjie Williams, ResCare  VP, Job Corps Operations, Congressman C.W. Bill Young, LaVera Leonard and City of St. Petersburg Mayor, Bill Foster.