Muhlenberg Job Corps Center hosts Men in Black banquet

Guest Speaker Jesse Varner visits with Muhlenberg students during the
annual Men in Black event.

Jesse Varner, the guest speaker for the Men in Black banquet in November at the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center, posed the following question to the male students at the center: “What does it take to be a man?”  Varner, a former Student Personnel manager at the Great Onyx Job Corps, challenged the students to really think about how a real man thinks and acts.  Varner said, “Sometimes the things we think are cool and in vogue are not the things we need to be successful in life.”

The Men in Black banquet is an annual affair that challenges students to think about dressing for success and what it takes to be successful in today’s world.

Varner grew up in rural Kentucky and came from a family of 10 children.  He joined the Army when he was 17, served honorably, and went on to work as postmaster for Park City, Ky., before retiring. He has been elected six times to serve as a councilman for his hometown of Smiths Grove, Ky. In his spare time he is a substitute teacher in the Edmonson County School System.  He received his Associate’s and Bachelor’s degrees after turning 60 years old.

In the spring, a similar event is held for the ladies called The Ladies Tea. Both events focus on the manners, dress and attitudes needed to be successful in today’s ever-changing work world.

Prestonsburg senior citizens get special holiday treat with music of Perkins student Victoria Chenoweth

Victoria Chenoweth presents her own holiday cheer
with music for senior citizens.

The Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center has been assisting with the Prestonsburg Senior Citizens Center annual Christmas Dinner for years.  Students have helped with the preparation of food, and decorating the dining area for the holidays. But this year, the senior citizens got an extra treat Dec. 12 when 19-year-old Culinary Arts student Victoria Chenoweth played Christmas music on the harp. She captured the attention of everyone with the beautiful sounds of holiday music, so much so that Senior Citizens Center Director Al Gunter said, "We have our very own angel.”

Chenoweth, from Elkins, W.Va., currently is completing a work-based learning internship at the Senior Citizens Center.

An accomplished musician, she has been playing the harp for four years. She also plays the flute, piano, piccolo and guitar.

After completing her education at Perkins, Chenoweth plans to pursue a career in the hospitality industry. She has been a student at Perkins Job Corps six months, under the instruction of Chef Terry Marrs, culinary arts instructor.

Muhlenberg Job Corps celebrates accomplishments of nine new graduates

Muhlenberg Job Corps Center celebrated the accomplishments of nine new graduates during commencement ceremonies Dec. 18 at the center.

Graduate Brian Rondon lead the Pledge of Allegiance, Indonesia Carter delivered the graduate welcome, and Raven Cash was the graduate speaker.  Raven shared how Job Corps had turned her life around and would make things better for her five-year-old son.  She shared that just a few months ago, she had been working menial jobs, but that now she feels she has a chance at a good life with better wages.

Muhlenberg Center Director Kenny Brown and Rashaun Phelps, Student Government president, passed out diplomas to the graduates.  Brown closed the ceremony with a challenge to each graduate to be kind and work hard in life.

Graduates include Demetris Broady of Memphis, Tenn., arrived with a high school diploma (HSD), completed Medical Office Support; Indonesia Carter of Woodbridge, Va., HSD, completed Medical Office Support; Raven Cash of Ocean View, Va., arrived with HSD, completed Clinical Medical Assisting and Pharmacy Tech; Shontaya Coston of Gloucester, Va., arrived with HSD, completed Medical Office Support and Pharmacy Tech; Christina Hawkins of Brooksville, Fla., HSD, completed Medical Office Support; Jason Janatsch of Oklahoma City, Ok., HSD, completed Medical Office Support; Shy’Aire Lawrence of High Point, N.C., GED, completed Heavy Equipment Operator; Bryan Rondon of Miami, Fla., HSD, completed Heavy Equipment Operator; and Brian Weir of Ruskin, Fla., arrived with HSD, completed Heavy Equipment Operator and Commercial Driver’s License.

Congratulations to our newest graduates and best wishes as you begin new careers and/or continue your education.

December 2012 graduates include, seated, left to right, Raven Cash, Demetrius Broady, Shy’Aire Lawrence and Christina Hawkins; Standing, left to right, Brian Weir, Jason Janatsch, Indonesia Carter, Shontaya Coston and Brian Rondon.

Enjoy the December 2012 edition of the Panther Press, the quarterly newsletter of the Charleston Job Corps Center.

Enjoy the December 2012 edition of News & Views, the quarterly newsletter of the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center.

Enjoy the December 2012 edition of the Cougar Courier, the quarterly newsletter of the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center

Charleston Job Corps training leads to successful employment

Charleston Job Corps Center continues to train and educate students for career success that lasts a lifetime. Here are just a few of our successful graduates.

Briana Brown is working at the Army base in Norfolk, Va., making $14.65/hr. She completed the Office Administration Trade.

Ayai Vines is working as a Certified Nursing Assistant in Washington, D.C.. making $11.77/hr.

Nykeema French completed the Certified Nursing Assistant trade and enrolled in higher education.

Scott Woods completed the Office Administration trade and is working for Western Petroleum for $15/hr.

Corey Hughes and Antonio Woodrup both completed the carpentry career technical training program and are working for contractors and builders in Baltimore, Md., making $14/hr.

Muhlenberg Job Corps hosts Australian basketball team

Team members from the Muhlenburg Bulldogs and the Kilsyth Cobras
gather for a social hour and cultural exchange following the game
between the two teams.

A unique cultural exchange took place on the basketball courts at Muhlenberg Job Corps Center Dec. 4 as an Australian women’s basketball team played the Muhlenberg Bulldogs.

The Kilsyth Cobras, a high school team from Melbourne, Australia, defeated the Bulldogs 54-42, as part of the team’s tour of the United States. The Kilsyth Cobras played seven games in Kentucky before doing some sight-seeing throughout the U.S. during their 22-day visit to the United States. The team will visit New York City, Chicago, Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

Following the game at Muhlenberg, teams exchanged gifts and had a social hour to meet each other and share stories from home. Cody Perry, Muhlenberg JCC recreation supervisor, said, “The game with Kilsyth was one of the best recreational experiences I’ve been a part of since coming on staff at Muhlenberg.” Jason Shafer, academic instructor at Muhlenberg Job Corps, who also serves as the girls’ basketball coach, said “It was a neat cultural experience for both teams to get acquainted after the game.”

Enjoy the Summer 2012 edition of The Connector, the newsletter of Horizons Youth Services

Enjoy the September 2012 edition of the Panther Press, the quarterly newsletter of the Charleston Job Corps Center.

Enjoy the September 2012 edition of News & Views, the quarterly newsletter of the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center

Carl D. Perkins SGA officers take on issues of bullying and disrespect to staff



The Carl D. Perkins SGA delegation.

 Student Government Association officers from Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center took on the important issues of bullying and disrespect to staff as part of an action plan they created for their center and presented to fellow SGA officers at the end of the weeklong SGA Leadership Conference. The conference, held twice a year, focused on the theme: Leadership and Citizenship. The Perkins delegation joined SGA officers from 10 other Job Corps centers for the conference, held Oct. 23-26 at Camp Horizons near Harrisonburg, Va. The event, hosted by Horizons Youth Services, which operates the Perkins center, offers training in leadership, communication skills, critical thinking skills, personal responsibility and team building.

The weeklong conference culminates with each team of SGA officers presenting their action plans to fellow SGA delegations at the conference. Teams will present their action plans to the senior management staff at their centers when they return to their centers.

The Perkins team’s action plan had three main components: creating and implementing a bullying program to educate students about bullying and its effects; creating and implementing a mentor program that matches SGA members with new students; and holding monthly Bullying Awareness assemblies to help educate students about the issues of bullying and disrespect to staff.

The Perkins team included Temika Hodge, president; Rose Petit, vice president; Bria Baulding, secretary; Peter Larkin, treasurer; Travis Strope, sergeant at arms; and Benny Casilla, committee chair. Advisors accompanying the students were Shonna Moore and Harold Auxier.

For additional information about the Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference, please visit HorizonsLeadership.com.

Charleston SGA officers tackle issue of bullying at SGA Leadership Conference

The Charleston SGA delegation.

Student Government Association officers from Charleston Job Corps Center tackled the issue of bullying in an action plan the officers created during the recent Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference. The conference, held twice a year, focuses on leadership training, communication skills, critical thinking skills, personal responsibility and team building. Charleston SGA officers attended the conference from Oct. 23-26 at Camp Horizons near Harrisonburg, Va. The event was hosted by Horizons Youth Services, which operates Charleston Job Corps Center.

The weeklong conference culminates with each team of SGA officers creating an action plan to present to fellow SGA delegations at the conference and to present to senior management staff when they return to their center.

The Charleston team focused on bullying and ways to create a positive culture on campus that encourages respect for all students and staff. Team members proposed educating students about the issue of bullying through posters and flyers posted around campus and by holding classroom presentations that focus on the subject. The team also proposes establishing an anti-bullying committee comprised of SGA members, dorm representatives, area presidents and others.

The Charleston officers joined SGA officers from 10 other Job Corps centers from throughout the nation for the conference. Students stepped out of their comfort zones as they tackled the low challenge initiatives that promote problem solving, communication and team effort, and the high ropes initiatives, which require intense focus and determination. Students also attended classroom sessions that focused on communication skills, public speaking, working as a team and leadership.

Charleston SGA officers included Felipe Phillips, president; Shawn Murphy, vice president; Shanae Brown, secretary; Amanda Shields, treasurer; Shauna Parsons, public relations; and Aisha Watte, dorm area representative. Advisors accompanying the team were Jaron Burch and Jennifer Lester.

For more information about the Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference, please visit HorizonsLeadership.com.

Muhlenberg  Job Corps SGA officers attend SGA Leadership Conference

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center SGA delegation.

Student Government Association officers from Muhlenberg Job Corps Center traveled to Virginia for a weeklong SGA Leadership Conference. The Region 2 event, held twice a year, focuses on leadership training, communication skills, critical thinking skills, personal responsibility and team building.

The conference, which ran Oct. 23-26 at Camp Horizons near Harrisonburg, Va., was hosted by Horizons Youth Services, which operates Muhlenberg.

SGA officers from 11 different Job Corps centers from throughout the nation stepped out of their comfort zones as they tackled the low challenge initiatives that promote problem solving, communication and team effort, and the high ropes initiatives, which require intense  focus, and, for many, required that students overcome fears and decide to accept and meet new challenges. The week also included classroom sessions dealing with communication skills, public speaking, working as a team and leadership.

Each SGA delegation was tasked with creating an action plan for their individual centers that reflected the conference theme of Leadership and Citizenship. The Muhlenberg  team’s plan centered on guiding new students into leadership roles and community involvement. The plan called for the SGA to be involved with meeting and greeting new students as they arrive at airports and on center, create a new diversity/adjustment class for new students, and involve new students in community service projects such as Adopt a Highway.

Muhlenberg SGA officers attending included Rashaun Phelps, president; Patrice Howard, vice president; Ariel Watts, secretary; Ingrid Alvarenga, treasurer; Christy Miller, sergeant at arms; and Fabiola Louis, committee chair. Advisors accompanying the students were Christian Mancilla and Michelle Robinson.

For more information about the Region 2 SGA Leadership Conference, please visit HorizonsLeadership.com.

Horizons Youth Services hosts three weeks of leadership training for SGA officers from Job Corps centers

Job Corps students from across the country will meet at Camp Horizons near Harrisonburg, Va., for the SGA Leadership Conference. The conference, led by Horizons Youth Services, is held twice a year. The fall sessions kick off Oct. 23, with 11 teams from Job Corps centers attending the first session. Centers attending this first session include Cleveland, Carl D. Perkins, Charleston, Keystone, Muhlenberg, Sacramento, Detroit, Earle C. Clements, Philadelphia, North Texas and Pittsburgh Job Corps centers. The week-long sessions focus on leadership training, effective communication and team building. Centers send delegations of Student Government Association leaders and SGA advisors for the conference. Students start the week by tackling the low challenge courses at Camp Horizons, which are designed to enhance communitcation, critical thinking, problem solving and team building skills. Students also step outside their comfort zones as they tackle the high ropes challenge courses and public speaking. Delegation is tasked with creating an action plan for their centers that reflects the theme of the conference: "Citizenship and Leadership." On the final day of the conference, students formally present their plans to other conference participants and receive feedback on those plans. SGA leaders will present these plans to the senior management team at their centers once they return to their centers.

The second session of the SGA Fall 2012 Leadership Conference will run Nov. 6-9.

For more information about the SGA Leadership Conference, please visit HorizonsLeadership.com.

Coal academy liaison discusses mining industry, jobs with Muhlenberg Job Corps heavy industry cluster students

Rick Caskey of the Coal Academy at Madisonville Community College,
 discusses careers in mining with Muhlenberg students.

Rick Caskey, coal liaison for Coal Technology and the Coal Academy at Madisonville Community College, discussed jobs and qualifications needed for those jobs in the coal industry  with Muhlenberg Job Corps Heavy Industry Cluster students on Oct. 22. Caskey, a former underground miner, shared a PowerPoint presentation with the group about what it takes to become certified to work in an underground mine and safety issues miners face each day. Caskey also spoke about associate degrees students can obtain in the mining field. Students asked questions about salary ranges, safety and availability of jobs in the mining field. Caskey said he would investigate the possibility of obtaining dual credit hours for students who complete Job Corps certifications that are similar to the ones Madisonville CC requires. Madisonville Community College currently offers advanced training for Muhlenberg Job Corps students in the health and heavy industry trades after they complete the Job Corps program.

Charleston Job Corps student lands job because of work-based learning internship

Charleston Job Corps Student Roland Brungard III has landed a full-time job with One Hour, due in large part to his job performance during a work-based learning internship with the organization in August. Brungard demonstrated outstanding employability skills, and his internship supervisor and the site supervisor were both impressed with the student’s training and work ethic. Brungard began his full-time employment at One Hour as a probationary Level B Service Technician Oct. 1, with a starting pay of $10/hour.

Muhlenberg mentioned in the Department of Labor's newsletter

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center was mentioned in the Department of Labor's newsletter! 

"Workforce professionals play a key role in helping businesses grow by connecting the dots between a trained workforce and local employers looking to hire. To honor the work of these dedicated professionals, Secretary Solis traveled to Michigan this week to attend the 2012 Michigan Works! for People annual conference. The conference drew more than 700 attendees, including economic development, business, and educational leaders, Workforce Development Board members, and Michigan Works! agency staff..."


To read more, click here.

Perkins student excels at Work-Based Learning internship, heads to college



Kimberly Forth accepts a certificate of excellence from Tony Grubb,
director of the Floyd County Conservation Office.

 Carl D. Perkins Job Corps student Kimberly Forth, 24, received certificate of excellence for her quality work during a Work-Based Learning internship with the Floyd County Conservation Center. Kimberly received the certificate from Tony Grubb, director of the Floyd County Conservation Office, after she completed eight weeks of off-center Work Base Learning at the Conservation Center, where she helped with various community activities, banquets and working in the office.

Kimberly enrolled in the Job Corps program on Feb. 20, coming from Trevose, Pa. She has completed training in the Hotel Lodging field, and started her first day of college on Aug. 13 at the Big Sandy Technical & Community College in Prestonsburg, Ky., where she will pursue a degree in Special Education. “Without the Job Corps Program, I would not be able to attend college,” Kimberly said.

Muhlenberg Job Corps graduate changes lives through AmeriCorps

Vanessa Ruff, a 22-year-old from Crawfordville, Ga., who says she is “just trying to change lives,” is doing so in a big way through the AmeriCorps program. Ruff learned about AmeriCorps when she was a student at Muhlenberg Job Corps in Greenville, Ky. While completing her career technical training program in Medical Office Support at Muhlenberg, Vanessa realized she didn’t really know what she wanted to do with her life.  However, she did know that she enjoyed working with people, and after hearing about AmeriCorps, she believed it was something she could do. On Feb. 27, Ruff began her time with AmeriCorps, and it has been “all about work” since she began.

 According to the AmeriCorps website, www.americorps.gov, “AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community.” Full-time members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college, graduate school, or pay back qualified student loans. Those who complete part-time service receive a partial award, and some AmeriCorps volunteers may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

On her first spike, an AmeriCorps term used to describe travel or the next work assignment, Ruff went to New Orleans, La., to help rebuild homes destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  While there, she got to meet the people and hear their stories about the event that took their homes. And although there was always work to do, Ruff and her fellow AmeriCorps volunteers also were able to enjoy New Orleans, including attending “The Lion King” musical and meeting many different stars.

After New Orleans she and her team traveled to Saucier, Miss., to assist a children’s home.  The team pruned trees, made birdhouses and completed other landscaping work to beautify 100 acres of land.  They also made signs and cleared bike trails so the children could ride their bikes. Their next stop was Virginia, to lay new water pipes for a community that didn't have the money to pay for a contractor to do the work.  The AmeriCorps team that Ruff is a part of performs all kinds of work, from painting, building homes and working with kids to cutting grass and hanging dry wall.  “There are a lot of people who my team and I have touched through our work,”   Ruff stated.  “AmeriCorps is a great program where you learn so many skills, get the chance to travel, and meet great people.”   Ruff said, “My goal in life is to help as many people as I can, especially children.”  Through the AmeriCorps program she is getting that chance on a daily basis.

Vanessa Ruff, front row, left, with her AmeriCorps team members.

Perkins students pass ServSafe exam, become ServSafe certified

Several Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Centers Culinary Arts students are now “ServSafe Certified.” The students, under the instruction of Chef Terry Marrs, are Amber Jones, Clint Gardner, Austin Smith, Heather Lida, Brittany Fraley, Matthew Love, Anthony Maynard, Ruben Rawlins, William Simmons and Daniel Turnage. They spent the last four weeks studying for the ServSafe exam.

The ServSafe Food Handler Program is a complete program designed to delivers consistent food safety training to employees. The program covers five key areas: personal hygiene; cross-contamination and allergens; time and temperature; and cleaning and sanitation. All Culinary students are required to complete the training and pass the exam before they do actual cooking within the class.

With Chef Terry Marrs, left, are Perkins students who recently became ServSafe Certified, left to right, front row, Amber Jones, Clint Gardner, Austin Smith and Heather Lida; back row, Brittany Fraley, Matthew Love, Anthony Maynard, Ruben Rawlins, William Simmons and Daniel Turnage.

Students jump back into community service following summer break

Andrew Clark poses with Med Flight helicopter.

It didn’t take long for Carl D. Perkins Job Corps students returning from their summer break to again start helping their community. Immediately upon returning from summer break students were helping with various community activities and the Kentucky State Little League tournament.

On Thursday, July 26, just hours after returning from summer break, students from various career technical training programs helped the National Business College of Pikeville, Ky., set up for its annual Healthy Fun Fair. Andrew Clark, Nathalie Avero, Jennifer Gregory, Matthew Anderson and Terry Johnson got on the road early Thursday morning, to help set up tents, games and classrooms and to help with other tasks that needed to be completed. However, student Andrew Clark did take a minute to pose beside the Med Flight that landed for the mock ATV wreck training exercise.

Then it was on to other events, including the Kentucky State Little League tournament at the Stonecrest baseball facilities, where Security and Protective Services students provided assistance with event parking on Thursday and Friday.

SPS students assist with parking for the Kentucky State Little League tournament.



MCDC’s fresh fruit program featured in HEALs newsletter

Muhlenberg Career Development Center Food Service Manager Larry King-Davis has made offering students wholesome snacks of fresh fruits and vegetables for afternoon snacks a top priority. The fresh fruit and vegetable snack program at MCDC, which began nine years ago, was featured in the Summer 2012 issue of Live Healthy, the Job Corps Healthy Eating an Active Lifestyles (HEALs) newsletter.

Part of the key to the success of the program was addressing the issue of some students tossing their apple cores or orange peels on campus grounds rather than disposing of them properly.  Overtime, students have come to realize that littering on campus is neither acceptable nor allowed.

King-Davis ensures that every new student knows the rules about littering and wasting food when he or she arrives on center. During orientation, he asks students what would happen if their mothers brought home some apples, and they took a bite and then dropped the rest of the apple on the floor.  The students predictably respond, “My mom would kill me.” King-Davis assures them the consequences at MCDC of wasting fruit are not that dire, but stresses that students could risk losing afternoon snack privileges for everyone if they waste fruit or litter.

After much work to change the norms, Muhlenberg JCC’s 400 students now enjoy two cases of red apples, two cases of golden delicious apples, four cases of oranges, two cases of bananas, and various other seasonal fruits each week, and apple cores and orange peels end up in the trash, not on the ground.

CNA students pass state exam

Certified Nursing Assistant students at Charleston Job Corps Center are batting a thousand when it comes to passing the state CNA exam. All 21 CNA students who took the state exam May 12 passed.

MCDC 1982 grad Alfonzo Hagan visits center



Alfonzo Hagan, left, with Alex Sutton

 Alfonzo Hagan, a 1982 graduate of MCDC, returned to campus July 2 to see the changes that have taken place on center and to recall the opportunities and training he received at MCDC.

Hagan obtained his GED and heavy equipment operator’s certificate at Muhlenberg, and after completing the Job Corps program, enlisted in the Army Reserve where he became a transport operator. When his tour of duty with the Army Reserve  was complete,  Hagan became a deputy sheriff in Georgia.  He later became a special agent with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. Hagan recently retired from the GBI and opened his own business, Central Georgia Polygraph with offices in Savannah and Statesboro, Ga. 

Hagan was amazed by the changes that have taken place on the MCDC campus since 1982, but equally impressed with the changes that took place within himself during his time there. “I came to Job Corps as a youth who did not trust anyone and thought everyone was against me. I finally came to the conclusion that the people at the Job Corps in Muhlenberg do not know me so why should they be against me!”  He said Job Corps changed his life.

Accompanying Hagan on his visit was Alex Sutton, former MCDC employee. Sutton, currently living in Hopkinsville, was the first security officer hired at Muhlenberg and spent 17 years at the center. Sutton met Hagan at MCDC and became a mentor to him. They have kept touch over the last 30 years. Hagan said he visits Sutton in Hopkinsville every few years and they stay in contact by phone in between visits. 

During the visit Sutton met many MCDC staff he had worked with during his tenure at the Job Corps center. Hagan agreed to come back in the near future to speak at a MCDC graduation ceremony.

Carl D. Perkins student Amber Jones gets more out of Job Corps than just job training

Most students enroll in Job Corps to gain skills to help them launch successful careers and gain independence. Amber Jones_, a 20-year-old student from Miami, Fla., is getting those skills, but she also is getting much more from Job Corps. In addition to completing the hospitality career technical training program at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center, and enrolling in the Culinary Arts program there, Amber also has gained the knowledge and self-confidence she needs to pursue a healthier, happier life.

Amber, who enrolled in the Perkins Job Corps program on Oct. 24, 2011, came to the center weighing 225 pounds. Soon after arriving she began using the center’s weight room and gym facilities each evening, and started learning more about nutrition from the Wellness staff. Her new knowledge and fitness routines have paid off – she has lost 65 pounds since enrolling in Job Corps and is continuing her goal to reach her target weight. Amber stated that her successful weight loss not only has made her a healthier person but has given her a new self -confidence and a sense of pride in herself that she has never had before.

Amber said that coming to Job Corps was the best decision that she had ever made. In addition to learning so much from her CTT programs, she has received the encouragement from staff she needed to make necessary changes in her mental and physical health that will benefit her throughout her life. She has developed a positive attitude that she can do anything she sets her mind to do in life.

Amber’s advice to other young people is: “Don’t walk around mad and angry at the world each day. That attitude will waste so much time and energy.  Always keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything.”  

“Job Corps changes your life completely,” Amber said.

Charleston Job Corps Center welcomes new Work-Based Learning Partner

Charleston Job Corps Center welcomes One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning in Charleston as a new work-based learning partner. One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning, which began its partnership with CJCC June 14, currently has two students, Demetrius Smith and Shawnkie Stevens from the HVAC career technical training program, doing work-based learning internships. The students are working with the HVAC technician to repair air conditioning units at various Charleston locations.

MCDC earthquake drill featured in national Job Corps newsletter

An article about an earthquake drill recently conducted by Muhlenberg Career Development Center in Greenville, Ky., was featured in the June 2012 edition of the Safety Circle Newsletter, a publication of the Job Corps National Office.

The drill, dubbed “the Great Central United States Shakeout,” was conducted as part of a state-wide event that was coordinated locally by Keith Putnam, Emergency Services Director for Muhlenberg County. MCDC students were instructed on how to respond in case of an earthquake. Many safety drills are held on the Muhlenberg campus each month, but earthquake preparedness is not usually one of the top priorities.

Putnam stated, “The Muhlenberg Job Corps sits very close to the New Madrid Fault. In the event of an earthquake along this fault line, the center’s campus and structures would more than likely suffer severe to moderate damage.”

With a real earthquake being a distinct possibility, Susan Lyons, the center’s Safety Supervisor, felt a drill would be a good way to help students be more prepared. Many MCDC students come from other states that are not accustomed to the possibility of an earthquake. “We hope an earthquake never occurs in our area, but we want to be the best prepared we can be if it does become a reality,” Lyons said.

MCDC honors 7 graduates during June commencement

The Muhlenberg Career Development Center celebrated its June 2012 graduation with seven students participating.  Graduates Orlando Northington led the Pledge of Allegiance, Tanisha Jack delivered the graduate welcome, and Ashley Gilbert was the commencement speaker.  Kenny Brown, center director and Jimmy Haley, Student Government Association president, distributed the diplomas and led in the tassel ceremony.  Gary Jones served as master of ceremonies. 

Students graduating were Ashley Gilbert, Lexington, Ky., Medical Office Support and Heavy Equipment Operator; received GED on center; Jessica Gonzalez, Lakeland, Fla., Medical Office Support and Pharmacy Tech; received High School Diploma (HSD) off center; Tanisha Jack, Memphis, Tenn., Medical Office Support and Pharmacy Tech; received HSD on center; Farah Joseph, Haines City, Fla.; Medical Office Support and Pharmacy Tech; received HSD on center; Orlando Northington, Bowling Green, Ky., Medical Office Support, received HSD on center; Britney Speights, Pensacola, Fla., Medical Office Support and Pharmacy Tech; received HSD off center; and Arthur Vibanco, Hammond, Ind., Heavy Equipment Operator; received GED on center.

MCDC June 2012 graduates are, front row, left to right, Jessica Gonzalez, Tanisha Jack and Ashley Gilbert; back row, Britney Speights, Authur Vibanco, Orlando Northington and Farah Joseph.

Perkins students assist with Hillbilly Arm Drop Drag Race

Pictured  front, left to right kneeling, are students Travis Smith and John Grove; standing, left to right, students Anthony Colone, James Tunnel, Willie Smith, Dustin Singer, Benny Casilis and Ciara Jones; Kent Rose, event organizer; and students Xyla Munn, Tony Morrison, Alexander Prinns, and Andrew Weslow.

On June 23, the Paintsville and Prestonsburg tourism bureaus held a catered barbeque dinner to thank Security & Protective Services students from Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center for their work and professionalism during the second annual Hillbilly Arm Drop Drag Race. The event was held May 4 and 5 in Prestonsburg. Students and S&PS Instructor Carol Wilson helped with parking, directing traffic and patrolling the grounds to ensure safety during the event.

Kent Rose, who oversaw the Hillbilly Arm Drop Drag Race event, and Prestonsburg Mayor Jerry Fannin presented each student with a certificate of appreciation and a $25 Wal-Mart gift card, following the catered barbecue dinner.

S&PS students are scheduled to work their next event Sept. 12.

Perkins students recycle wooden pallets into furniture

Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Carpentry Instructor Ricky Yates is teaching students about the environment and recycling during his Green lessons each week. But recently Yates and his class have been learning how to recycle wood pallets that you normally find, sitting behind most business just wasting away into something that is both useful and beautiful.

Yates and his students have made several Adirondack-style pallet chairs out of the wood pallets. Yates said he wanted to teach his students how to learn to use a variety of materials in many different, creative ways, all while helping the environment.

Carpentry Instructor Ricky Yates and students Francin Deleard and Tyheed Pollard show off their new chairs.

Former SPS student thanks Carl D. Perkins for training, experiences

Former Security and Protective Services student Mary Ann Franz, 20, recently sent the following letter thanking Carl D. Perkins, and specifically Carl Wilson, for the training she received at CDPJCC. Franz, from Brandon, Fla., obtained more than 300 hours in work-based learning, working at different arenas and events. She also obtained certifications in CPR/first aid, handcuffing, OC pepper spray, baton training and self-defense as part of her SPS training. Franz trained at CDPJCC 311 days, graduating last December. Upon graduation, she returned to Florida to obtain employment and put her training to use.

Hi, Mr. Wilson,

I sure do still miss being in class and think about it often! I am doing good. I still currently work security for the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Working there I have used everything you taught me in class and am very thankful for the training I received while in Job Corps. My supervisor tells me all the time I was hired because of my motivation and effort to learn and train for security on my own. So the training at Job Corps is definitely what helped get me the job. Security is so much fun, but hard work at the same time. I do everything from guarding money, carrying anywhere from $10 to $1,000,000 to different card tables, checking identification, breaking up fights, monitoring the club, catching people shoplifting, taking intoxicated people to a taxi, roving the floors in the hotel and casino, doing alarm checks and fire safety checks, just anything and everything you can think about. I am thinking about taking up a second job working at the Raymond James Stadium doing security part-time for all the games and events. I sure do use all of my training and remember daily all of the great times and opportunities I’ve gotten to experience in your class. I came there for security and left with a lifetime of experiences. Tell everyone I said hello!

Sincerely,
Mary Ann Franz

Mary Ann Franz is one more example that shows that Job Corps works.

Students, staff join in Race for a Cure event

Ten students and two staff members from Charleston Job Corps Center participated in the West Virginia Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and raised more than $700 for breast cancer research. The event was held on May 5 in downtown Charleston. More than 7000 people participated in the 5K event. Student Personnel Officer assistant Lisa Lewis participated as an untimed walker and Medical Office Support Instructor Jennifer Lester participated as a timed runner. Participating students held several fundraiser events prior to the race and solicited donations from community partners.

Yes You Can Conference focuses on employability skills, responsibility

 CJCC hosted a “Yes You Can” Conference May 29 to promote student retention. The all-day conference, held at the John XXIII Pastoral Center, was coordinated by Lisa Lewis, student personnel officer, and Tia Welch, business & community liaison. Guest speakers and topics included Carl Chadband from KISRA (Kanawha Institute for Social Research and Action), “Overcoming Barri­ers;” Mary Halen from BB & T and John Rymer from the West Virginia Division of Personnel, “What Employers are Looking For;” and Carl Lee, a former NFL player, representing Community Outreach, “Personal and Social Responsibil­ity.” Sandra Blaney, owner of San’s Hair Loft in Beckley, and Don Juan Staples, owner of Don Juan Barbershop in Institute, led workshops on small business ownership. Other center staff conducted various afternoon workshops focusing on advanced training and college opportunities, work-based learning, community service and volunteerism and the student Personal Career Development Plan. Former students Toni Threatt and Denzel Owens also spoke to students about how the opportunities they received at Job Corps changed their lives. Thirty-three students attended the conference.



Students Joseph Thomas, Brandon Maske, Tevin Wilson, and Ansel Blake (right) visit with former NFL player Carl Lee during the Yes You Can conference.



MCDC promotes alternative energy by installing more solar panels

MCDC continued its leadership role in Job Corps in promoting alternative energy by installing three new solar panels on the center. The panels, which have an output of 31 kilowatts per day, will be used to generate electricity to operate the Welcome Center at the entrance gate of the center. Students from the Foundations and Welding classes helped with the installation. This latest addition is the second set of solar panels installed at the center. MCDC also has a wind turbine to generate electricity and reduce energy costs on campus. MCDC was the first Job Corps center in the nation to install equipment to generate alternative energy on site. For its efforts, the center received two notable awards in project year 2009 – the Earth Day Every Day National Green Center Recognition Award and the Philadelphia Region Demand Side Award.

MCDC students who worked on the installation of additional solar panels include: front row, kneeling, left to right: Dominique Lyons, Andrew Armstrong and King Nichols; back row, standing: Instructor Billy Cloud, Bryan Rondon, Jesse Nelsen, James Hensley, Dominique Boone and Charles Beale.

Perkins grad now works as Oxford, Pa, ambassador

Oxford, Pa., shoppers who need directions, help crossing the street or help making change for the parking meters need to look no further than to Miguel Jimenez, 21. Jimenez, who completed the security & protec­tive services training program at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center, is the borough’s new Downtown Oxford Ambassador. His job is to provide an extra bit of security by strolling through the downtown area every day, assisting shoppers and business owners alike.

“The main thing is public safety,” said Jimenez. “I meet and greet, always with a smile on, to make sure the presence is always there for people who already come to Oxford and for people who want to come. I want to make sure their visit is enjoyable and safe, and they feel comfortable to come to Oxford.” Jimenez, who is bilingual, is able to reach out to the diverse population in the Oxford community.

Jimenez attended Perkins from January 2010 to August 2011. In addition to completing the SPS program, Jimenez received certification in first aid and CPR. He also received hundreds of hours of training through the work-based learning program, providing security for VIPs and visiting performers, and at events in the area. He is just another example of how “Job Corps works.”