The Recreation Department’s “Reaching-Out-Through-Sports” long-standing program would like to highlight student Leonardo Ward for embracing the true value of the program. Leonardo said the program’s values motivated him to attend college, become a better student and participate in intercollegiate basketball.

He struggled in the beginning as a student when he first arrived on Center. However, he found the “Reaching-Out-Through-Sports” program showed him the value of hard work. Leonardo heard from alumni speakers who encouraged growth and a belief in a system full of support. He took those words and built positive relationships with staff and students. Those relationships led him to become a true student athlete at Baltimore City Community College and the only “Walk-On” student athlete.

Below are the staff that Leonardo would like to acknowledge and thank for their support during his journey:

Woodstock Coaches – Being mentors, good role models and teaching me how to be humble

Mr. White – Showing me how to become a young man and to not lose focus

Mr. Kent – Teaching me how to deal with everyday life

Mr. Wilson – Helping to look forward towards the future and not to remain in the present

Ms. Staley – For getting me into college

Ms. Johnson – Letting me mature and grow as a man

Ms. Snowden – Showing me when it is a good time to play and to be serious

Ms. Drummond – Making sure I do everything needed for school

Ms. Rosenberg – Having a positive attitude towards my goals and career

Ms. Thomas – Telling me to keep my head up when times were hard

Mr. Thompson – For being supportive

Mrs. Tran – For being kind and inspirational

Ms. Smith – For keeping me responsible for my actions

Ms. Whitlock – For being there for me

Mr. Fenwick – For caring, being helpful and being like a brother to me

Maryland Career Transition Services hosted its Meet and Greet for employers and recent graduates at AMF Laurel Lanes in Laurel on Dec. 9. Employers were invited to send representatives from their companies to share current job opportunities with Woodland Pre-90 students, as well as other Job Corps graduates living in Prince George’s County, Montgomery County and other areas of Southern Maryland.

Employers such as PEPCO, WMATA, and CLP (Construction staffing agency) were in attendance and some even stayed to bowl with our students. The students in attendance gained insight into open positions and upcoming employment opportunities from each company. Students met with each employer representative personally and were exchanged contact information with some. Thanks to all involved in making the event possible. Maryland Career Transition Services looks forward to doing it again.

Stacey Butler, CVS Regional Workforce Learning Center manager, arrived at Woodstock Job Corps Center on Dec. 10 to discuss full time career opportunities in the areas of Medical, Office, Office Administration and Security. Ms. Butler manages over 400 CVS stores in the state of Maryland and will be returning in 2016 to work with Maryland Career Transition Staff on a monthly basis. She will conduct mock interviews and hire qualified candidates for the following positions – pharmacy technician, customer service and loss & prevention. CVS has also taken over all Target store pharmacy locations in the state of Maryland and will be seeking to hire candidates for those stores as well. Ms. Butler is interested to review the Work-Based Learning agreement currently in place with Woodstock to reestablish off-site internships that may lead to permanent hire.