All is calm as students first arrive for their fitting. Staff members are still setting up, catering is preparing the cake. The stillness in the lobby at Columbia College’s Brouder Science Center betrays the energy and anticipation of a day of celebration for students who have worked hard, whether over weeks or months, to achieve their certifications.
One young woman, Lakendra, stands nervously alone, already fitted in her cap and gown, watching for her family to arrive. As the first few guests start to filter down the hallway, her face lights up.
They’re here. All of them are here.
Each of her seven children embrace her as they stand together in the lobby and in that moment, it all feels real.
The day she has been working toward has finally arrived. She’s here to celebrate earning not one, but two certificates in office technology and accounting. Programs that can each take 12-16 weeks to complete, she’s finished both in just eight weeks. A true testament to her work ethic and determination to provide for her family and build a brighter future for them all.
“I’m so nervous to walk across the stage,” Lakendra says, amidst hugs and handshakes.
As more students and their families begin to arrive, the energy and volume in the room grows. Even before the ceremony begins, a feeling a celebration fills the air. Balloons bob above the crowd as they find their seats in the auditorium. Nervous soon-to-be-graduates mill about the hallway, peaking through the doors in search of their loved ones.
“Alright, time to line up,” Jerrell Morton, Director of YouthBuild, calls out.
The crowd rises as the soon-to-be graduates make their way to their seats at the front of the auditorium. Cheers erupt throughout the room as balloons bob above their heads.
The ceremony began with a keynote message from Boone County Commissioner Janet Thompson, who shared a message of encouragement and handed out seeds to remind each of the graduates that they are meant to go forth into the world and bloom.
“You need to remember as you continue on your path, if there is a weed around you, don’t hang around that weed. That weed will inhibit your growth. Look for the things that are positive, look for the things that will nourish you and help you come to full fruition,” Thompson said. “Look for those resources that will make you grow and bring you into the sunlight.”
During the certificate presentation ceremony, nearly 40 students were recognized for their achievements, including graduates from almost every Job Point training program, including Carpentry, Highway Heavy Construction, Office Technology, Certified Nursing Assistant, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, Warehouse and YouthBuild.
During the ceremony, staff also recognized one student as the Thomas Lutz Student of the Year.
“Mr. Lutz was and is the spirit and energy that we carry throughout YouthBuild,” Jerrell Morton, Director of YouthBuild said. “Mr. Lutz lives on in this award that we present at each graduation. We’re looking for that student who is committed to that sacrifice, taking full advantage of this opportunity to go get what many thought wasn’t possible. That’s Thom Lutz. That’s YouthBuild.”
This distinction is given to one student in the YouthBuild program who has shown integrity and commitment to bettering themselves and helping others as they’ve worked through the program. It was named for Job Point’s Education Instructor, Thom Lutz, who served with great passion and commitment throughout his tenure and even during a lengthy battle with terminal cancer.
“Tonight, I want us to give a big round of applause to Mr. Jackson Weathers.”
Following the presentation of certificates and awards, staff and students were given the opportunity to share their experiences and words of encouragement.
From stories of tremendous life changes to words of encouragement and praise for their classmates and staff, students from across all programs shared how their lives have been impacted by enrolling at Job Point and how they will continue forward with success and hope for the future.
“I went from homeless to now having an apartment for me and my daughter,” Essence S., CNA graduate, shared. “Because you believed in me and helped me believe in myself, I am here and I did it and I know that all of you can do it, too.”
Job Point would like to thank Columbia College for graciously hosting this event in the Brouder Science Center and allowing students and their families to gather and celebrate all of these milestones.
