Congratulations, Job Corps

While the atmosphere was festive and laid back, the stories shared at the Columbia Basin Jobs Corps 50th anniversary were anything but. They were inspiring and meaningful. They are stories to be retold and shared with others for inspiration.

Former students told of overcoming setbacks and challenges, with some situations beyond their control. It is truly amazing some of the students looked deep within themselves for motivation and finished the program. They have their instructors, themselves and other supporters to credit for their achievements.

One student, David Gillett, was homeless at a point in his life before entering the Job Corps center in Moses Lake, according to today's front page story in the Columbia Basin Herald. Gillett was a success, going on to work for the Moses Lake School District as a network administrator.

Anthony Quinn, a welder at Genie, completed his education the second time he entered Job Corps. He told of getting a good-paying job after graduation and how much the program helped him.

Job Corps was a family affair for one group, spanning two generations. Starla Novy received Job Corps training and met her husband there. Her son, Steven Brown, completed the program, as did her daughter-in-law, Christina Brown. Christina spoke of the direction and ambition she found at Job Corps, along with a career. She also met her husband, Steven, there. Before she entered the program, she was fighting with her family and Steven was smoking marijuana, she said. Now the Browns have matured and are focused on their careers and family. They have two young daughters and don't drink or smoke, she said.

The family and all the speakers were an inspiration to hear.

We appreciate their courage for sharing their stories.

- Editorial Board