CALCUTTA - For 19 students, the build-up of graduation reached its peak at the Calcutta-Smith Ferry facility as they prepared to turn their tassels in front of family and friends.
The scholars at the Columbiana County Youthbuild program were honored with a high school diploma, a Youthbuild certificate or a Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Training (PACT) award as part of the 2009 graduation service.
Nine of the graduates were honored with all three distinctions.
Principal and Program Manager Casey Havens said the kids put forth a lot of hard work and effort. And working close with the students to assist them to get through the academics, while participating in the construction of affordable homes, builds strong relationships between everyone involved, she added.
"They become our family," Havens said.
The Youthbuild family invited county Magistrate Scott Wisham as the one of the guest speakers. He stressed the importance of learning and that education was something that could not be taken away. Wisham had to leave immediately after speaking to make an appointment in Salem, but Jeremy Matuska, county juvenile court probation officer, said Wisham and he were very proud of the of kids and impressed with the program.
The people that gathered at the graduation also heard from graduate Richard Austin, who spoke about the huge honor that graduation is and the support circle that helped him make it to that day. Austin was one of the individuals that earned the high school diploma with PACT certification along with the Youthbuild recognition.
"I never expected to be standing here today, at least not this soon," Austin said. "There's a lot of us in this program that didn't expect to be here. I didn't take the normal route of schooling; we didn't do things the conventional way like everyone else. But one thing we have to be proud of - we're standing here today ready to graduate."
He stressed how the staff Youthbuild and his parents helped him, and like many others, reach a point in their lives that at one point seemed out of reach.
"We all appreciate you for pushing us and believing that we could accomplish such a task as this," Austin, who plans on becoming a barber, said. "It was sometimes frustrating and we would get upset from time to time, but it was worth it."
Several students received special, surprise distinctions, only knowing of their awards minutes before the ceremony started. Havens announced four special awards honoring academic performances. Emma George received the "Best Academic Performance" award, Richard Austin was bestowed "Best Construction Performance," Charles Gaines obtained "Most Improved Academic Student" and Brian Ammon obtained the "Most Improved Construction Student" honor. George also earned her State Tested Nursing Assistants certification.
Edward Bailey, Kimberly Beatty, Vince Boyle, Steven Cunningham, Bryon Davis, Ethan George, John Jiles, Sherri Lanam, Richard Newlen, Luke Nixon, Charles Shacklock, Kayla Smith, Christopher Steele, Mitzi Stoddard and Sheridan Taylor were also recognized during the ceremony.
The Youthbuild program offers students to obtain a General Education Diploma or high school diploma in conjunction with receiving construction training for workforce skills. The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT), a tuition-free online public school in Ohio, helps provide the education for the Youthbuild students.
Brad Martinson, ECOT consultant, was also on hand for the graduation. His organization will graduate approximately 1,000 students in Columbus where they are based. But he said the Youthbuild program and their students are a vital part of their organization.
"They are a very, very important factor of ECOT," Martinson said.
