Enrolling at the Keystone center he soon entered their plumbing program.  His instructor discribed him as somewhat timid at first but it didn’t take him long to show the determination needed to be successful.  As his confidence grew he became a leader in his trade; learning, mentoring new students and involving himself  in all aspects of  project assignments.

Following graduation his hard work resulted in a job placement with a residential property management firm in Largo, Maryland as a maintenance technician. 

He thanks his trade instructor for teaching him the skills needed to launch his carrer and Job Corps for providing a life changing opportunity.

The students volunteered to help wrap and bundle over 6,000 daffodils that were delivered to buyers throughout the Greater Hazleton community.  In addition, they raised $550 through their own center wide sale, money that will go towards research and education.  The Daffodil, one of the first flowers to bloom in the Spring symbolizes hope for people struggling with this disease.

Keystone continues to be one of the largest blood donor sites in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Last year 455 units were donated.  Although an ambitious goal, the center hopes to eclipse that total  in 2012.

Leadership Hazleton Director, Joe Clark stated the program “Cultural Threads-Our Local Tapestry” held at Keystone plays an integral part in the participants’ learning and appreciating cultural diversity.  In addition to presentations by Dr. David Sosar, Kings College and Dr. Wayne Hilton, Penn State several student government representatives from Keystone shared their backgrounds and discussed the student leadership program at the center.

This year’s program centered on a challenge to each of the center’s nine dormitories to create banners commemorating Dr. King’s life. Later in the day students participated in a freedom walk with their banners to a center wide assembly where they paid tribute to Dr. King’s legacy through reading excerpts from his speeches, poetry and song.

Many students commented how the day’s activities helped them learn so much more about Dr. King’s vision and philosophy.

Local News-13 reported on the events in their evening broadcast.

In 2012, Keystone will continue its partnership and commitment to the Red Cross with its goal to exceed this year’s total donations.

In observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month the center joined together sponsoring and hosting a variety of activities from bake sales to dress down days.  Keystone’s Deputy Director, Mike Martine stated, ”raising this much money could not have happened without a center wide commitment;  I couldn’t be prouder of our students and staff.”

Toni Englehart, local representative for the American Cancer Society in accepting Keystone’s donation during a student business meeting was overwhelmed by the center’s generosity.

The tour began in the early afternoon.  Governor Corbett first met with administrative staff who shared general information about Job Corps along with center highlights.  The governor then visited several training areas, including culinary arts, nursing and the site of Keystone’s new welcome center being built by students in the construction trades.   He had the opportunity to talk with many students, hearing their stories and finding out how the program has affected their lives.  With the governor’s agenda of “educating the workforce”, he stated Job Corps was a good example of training the right way referring to the program’s emphasis on hands-on-training.

The governor concluded his visit with a news conference at 3:00 p.m. where he told reporters he supported the program and would reach out to federal legislators to seek their continued support.

The week long activities (beginning October 24th) included a poster challenge where each of the center’s six dormitories created an anti-drug poster; the winner receiving a pizza party.  On Wednesday, a candlelight walk was conducted that honored those who keep our children safe and remembered loved ones affected by alcohol and drug abuse.  A red balloon release on Thursday, memorialized those who were lost to drugs and alcohol.  On Friday, the observance concluded with an assembly where poems and short stories were read regarding the personal affects of alcohol and drug use.