Friday, January 21, 2011 was a special day at the San Diego Job Corps Center.  Two hundred and eighty students completed their academic requirements and Career Technical Training courses, and took part in the center’s semi-annual graduation.

One of the proud graduates was 19 year old Imperial Beach resident, Eric Gonzalez.  “I’m pretty excited about completing my trade and receiving my diploma today. I’m looking forward to a career in the plastering industry,” he stated.  “Job Corps’ staff is very caring, and I learned a lot from my academic teachers and trade instructor, Dave Woods.  I believe I’ve developed the skills to have a good career.”

Career Technical Training Plastering instructor Dave Woods spoke highly of Eric’s work ethic. “He is a very attentive, detail-oriented student, and worked hard at every project he was involved in.  Eric should do well, as any employer would welcome someone with his skills”.

At the beginning of the graduation ceremony, Center Director Bobby Brown spoke of the recent death of R. Sargent Shriver. Shriver was the first director of the Peace Corps under President Kennedy.  He later spearheaded President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, and in that role was instrumental in the founding of Job Corps in 1964.  Since that time, more that 2.6 million young people have been helped by the program.  A moment of silence was conducted honoring Sargent Shriver’s service and memory.