Keynote speaker Dr. DeVaughn Jones receives a recognition plaque from Center Director Erica Evans.

The ceremonies’ keynote speaker personally understands the value of Job Corps. Dr. DeVaughn Jones, who recently earned a doctorate in pharmacy and founded the non-profit organization, Cultivating Bright Futures Scholars Foundation, to positively impact the quest for educational equality and encourage students from all backgrounds, is a 2005 graduate of Sacramento Job Corps. He shared his story of arriving at Job Corps with two trash bags of clothes, no place to call home and no one to encourage him to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. That changed at Job Corps where he completed the medical assisting program, enrolled in college, earned his bachelor’s degree, and went on to become a licensed pharmacist and pursue his doctorate. “You are your own boss,” he told students. “Do not let anyone stop you from doing what you have set out to achieve in your life.”

Jones also presented scholarships to two graduates: Gabriela Villagomez, completing Medical Office Support, who received a $300 scholarship; and Kauzhana Johnson, completing Certified Nursing Assistant, who received a $200 scholarship. These students were selected from a group of 10 from the center’s Health Occupations Cluster, who wrote about their future careers and goals as well as obstacles they have had to overcome. Jones noted that all 10 students had compelling stories, and returned to center on Sept. 5 to take all 10 students out to dinner and continue their conversation about the importance of education and quality job training.

Also speaking was Faith Whitmore, district director for Congressman Ami Bera. Whitmore urged graduates to take advantage of the opportunities they have and continue to strive to achieve their goals.

Several students received special recognition at the commencement ceremonies. Melvin Ewing, cement masonry, received the Sen. Darrell Steinberg Most Improved Student award, and Johnathan Harrell, carpentry, received the Steinberg Most Outstanding Student award.

Denaye Brown, Certified Medical Assistant, and Brandey Wilson, Medical Office Support, received the Most Outstanding Student awards from Assembly Member Ken Cooley.

Receiving the Most Outstanding Student awards from Assembly Member Dr. Richard Pan were Christopher Pevytoe, Heavy Equipment Operator, and KaShandra Barnes, Landscaping.

The Most Outstanding Student awards from Congresswoman Doris Matsui went to Roth Gagne and Latasha Henderson, both Medical Office Support.

The Sen. Barbara Boxer awards for Most Outstanding Student went to Mayen Tolentino and Andrea Mansanalez, both Clinical Medical Assistant.

Congratulations to Sacramento Job Corps’ newest graduates.