Job Corps graduates 5
Amir Price-Banks, 17, of Anchorage, Alaska, and Brian Salley, 24, of Fairview, Ore., turn their tassels during Job Corps’ graduation Wednesday. Graduate Christian Diaz, (residence and age not available) is also pictured.
MOSES LAKE - Five students left the Columbia Basin Job Corps with industry training and certifications after graduation ceremonies Wednesday.
The five graduates were Christian Diaz, (residence unavailable); Amir Price-Banks, Anchorage, Alaska; Brian Salley, Fairview, Ore.; Tanner Savage, Shelton and Brent Wood, Seattle. Diaz, the class speaker, said he wanted his fellow students to know the hard work and occasional challenges they face will be worth it.
"Don't let anything stop you," Diaz said. When classes and life get difficult, when circumstances start to bother students, they should just let things slide, he said. The students who complete the program will have skills and experiences no one can take away from them, and they can put those skills to work to help them get where they want to go. "Because of that, you're going to have such a great life," Diaz said.
Diaz and Price-Banks each received certifications for facilities maintenance, Wood received commercial painting certification, Salley's certification was in carpentry and Savage received certification in business technologies. Each student wrote down a few parting words for their fellow students, read by instructor Chris Barner as diplomas were distributed.
"Go for it. Don't let any BS stop you from getting what you want," Diaz wrote. Salley said he wanted to thank all the people - family, friends, students, instructors, everyone - who helped him make it through, but listing everyone by name but would take too much time.
Savage said he planned to conquer the world, eventually, so while he was graduating from Job Corps he wasn't saying goodbye to his friends. He was going to need them. "It's kind of hard to rule the world without a little help," he said.
Wood, who plans to work and save money for art school, said life is a canvas, and the mistakes and challenges end up being part of what makes each life a masterpiece.
Judy Warnick, 13th District Representative, was the guest speaker.
The training and lessons the students have received at Job Corps can't be taken away from them, she said. When graduates go to apply for jobs, they can show they've learned the skills and have some experience with situations they will encounter in the workplace, she said.
Job Corps can and does change lives, she said, citing the example of her son-in-law, He was on his way to nowhere, she said, and Job Corps gave him a while new direction. It can be the same way for contemporary students at Job Corps. "This place is worth it," she said.