CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Charleston Job Corps Center operated by Horizons Youth Services, held its graduation ceremony on March 4, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. in the center’s gymnasium, featuring guest speaker Donteako Wilson, co-owner of Capital Insurance Group, LLC. The ceremony opened with the national anthem rendered by Jamela Brown, Career Counselor. Andrew Walters, Career Services Director, welcomed graduates, family, students and staff to the commencement. Frances Shearin, Career Counselor served as Mistress of Ceremony.

Prior to the keynote address, training director Sermario Wiggins presented outstanding student awards to Lawrence O’Neal for Academic Overall Achievement, and Brittany Yeager for Career Technical Training Overall Achievement.

Mr. Donteako Wilson encouraged attendees, “You have to be willing to go the extra mile. Be an asset and not a liability.” Willie Brown, Center Director said, “I am always delighted to see young professionals come to this point in their career path.” The CJCC Panther Pride Ensemble, under the direction of James Carter, Leisure Time Learning Coordinator, provided entertainment. Conferring of diplomas was conducted by center director, Willie Brown and career technical training manager, Debra Wolfgang.

Student graduates include Samantha Bercik, Rodriguez Breland, Mariah Bosley, Janaijah Brown, Kashae Goodman-Brown, DeAnna Burton, Alena Campbell, Jessica Doss, James Henderson, Casey Hicks, Brianna Hil,, Kevin Hutchinson, Chris Kaufman, Brittany King-Smalls, Akeria Levy, Darius Lindsey, DeAndre Murray, Lawrence O’Neal, Victoria Pretty, Alexis Powell, Kadijah Thomas, Shane Tomey, Taimek Walton, Desseonia Waters, Tyla Wise, Tariq Wise and Brittany Yeager. The Job Corps Alumni Association induction was performed by former student and recreation advisor, Tierah Williams and closing remarks by center director, Willie Brown. A reception followed the ceremony by Lisa’s Catering. Graduation Photography was done by Quewanncoii “Que” Stephens, Sr.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through career technical and academic training. The Charleston Job Corps Center is overseen by the Philadelphia Regional Office of Job Corps and is operated by Horizons Youth Services.

Pictured: Group Picture with guest speaker Donteako Wilson (3rd row top) and center director Willie Brown (4th row top)