Job Corps Center hosts graduation

MAT-SU — National Commencement Day was Aug. 30, and thousands of graduates walked down the aisle in New York City, Los Angeles, Roswell, N.M., and in 124 other locations in the United States. This included a commencement for the Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer, where 36 students graduated with training certifications and numerous successes.

The speaker was Millie Johnson, vice president of Shareholder Relations for Chugach Alaska Corp. U.S. Sens. Mark Begich and Lisa Murkowski also sent representatives and a personalized video for the occasion.

Valley graduates are:

• Ericka Ranee Reimann from Big Lake received her certification in Culinary Arts. Reimann completed the program in one year and will go on to college. She says the only reason she is moving forward is because Job Corps staff and students are so proud and supportive of her efforts.

“Job Corps was hard at the beginning, and math was extremely difficult,” she said. “Chef Graham made it easier because he taught an understandable culinary application to math problems.”

• Samantha D. Tatum from the Palmer/Sutton area received a certification in Culinary Arts and Hospitality. She is now employed at Primrose Center in Wasilla.

• Katie Weeks-Walker from Palmer graduated in Accounting Services. This includes certification in payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable and a bookkeeping requirement. In addition, she completed her high school diploma and Alaska Driver’s License.

• Angelyn Kimberly Felthauser from Palmer graduated with a high school diploma, CPR, and Business MOS certificates

“Job Corps opened up hundreds of opportunities that I never would have had otherwise,” she said.

• Tyler Z. Barnes from Wasilla is now a certified computer service technician. Barnes is employed at the movie theater in Wasilla.

• Andrew J. Schultz and Rueben Schwartz from Palmer graduated in pre-apprentice facilities maintenance.

• Scott Swank from Palmer graduated as a pre-apprentice heavy equipment operator.

• Stuart D. Maurer from Wasilla received his certification in Behavioral Health.

• Dezeray E. Iberra from Wasilla graduated with a Nurse Assistant Certification and a Home Health Aide certification.

• Christopher K. Vance from Sutton received an Office Administration Certification.

• Cole V. Cotter and Joshua M. Petersen from Wasilla are now distribution and collections operators.

• Brian G. Pshar from Palmer is now a water/wastewater treatment operator.