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Many Kudos and Tears at 2009 Student Recognition Ceremony
For many students, graduating from high school is a difficult task that takes a lot of effort to complete. But after graduation, students are faced with twice as many barriers to succeed. The Student Services Department of Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) provides students with opportunity to create a clearer path toward a career. Through the Education to Careers Program, eligible student can receive specialized services to assist with achieving career goals. With the assistance of YCCS staff, students create an Individual Service Strategy (ISS) that outlines short and long term goals. The ISS helps students stay on track and focus on the goal of graduating from high school and going further to college, trade school, or certificate program. This year YCCS honored several of the students that are excelling toward success at the 2009 Student Recognition Ceremony.
The Ceremony was held June 17, 2009 at Morretti’s Banquet Hall. Students from Youth Connection Leadership Academy, Olive Harvey Middle College, and Bronzeville Academic Center attended the event along with their family members. An added surprise was the student testimonials. Taja Hicks was a student at Gwendlyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy when she got pregnant. She was told by several people that she wasn’t going to do anything with her life. She graduated from Olive Harvey Middle College and has certifications in Phlebotomy, EKG, and CAN. Taja expressed her gratitude toward the YCCS Student Service Staff members Yvette Green and Christina Trumbach for their dedication to ensuring she remained in school and attain her certifications. “When ever I had a problem Ms. Green and Ms. Christina always seem to have an answer that will keep me going”. Earl Chapman is a recent graduate of Youth Connection Leadership Academy and told the group his struggles through high school. He stated that Ms. Green saw him acting up in the hallway and asked him to come into her office where she advised him to register for the program. She helped him to create a plan toward a career. Earl completed the job readiness training which helped him in his job search. “YCCS helped me get some interviews and now I start my new job on Monday”.
The students’ words were very emotional-drawing staff, student and family members to tears. Earlene Giles, Student Services Director, was overcome with emotions. “I can’t help but feel proud of the students’ accomplishments. It makes me feel good to see them moving on to greater things”. Students who achieve one or both parts of their ISS received a certificate and a gift. The returning students at the ceremony gained motivation to continue seeing their fellow peers speak of the trials and tribulations and the great outcomes.
The Education to Careers Program is funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Family Supportive Services. For more information regarding the Education to Careers Program, please contact Christina Trumbach, christina@yccs.org.