Three Graduation Center students already landed jobs prior to completing the Gateway 2 Jobs program on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. Another three were awarded college scholarships during the ceremony.

 

The annual work ethics certification program organized by the Chamber takes students through a series of workshops centered on resume writing and job interviewing, hosted by volunteer business leaders and educators.

 

Asked what skills he applied from the program when he was hired just last week by McDonald's, student Korbin Tutor replied: "Firm handshake, look them in the eyes, sit up straight, dress nice - you know, the basics."

 

Classmate Austin Kirk agreed that since he learned the ropes from industry professionals he was not nervous during his successful interview for a job at the newly opened Panda Express. He also helped get Carl Dailey, another one of the program participants, employed there.

 

Three $500 scholarship to Three Rivers College were also awarded to graduates Jacob Bruce, Joseph Stravener and Dailey through the Three Rivers Endowment Trust, as well as Sharon Kissinger of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre who, in partnership with Chamber President Steve Halter, was instrumental in founding the G2J program six years ago.

 

"We're glad to be able to invest in our local community," said Allen Brooks, who serves on the scholarship committee of the Endowment Trust board. "Don't think small on this. Branch out. Don't limit yourselves."

 

Brooks recalled back when he was a student, there was not such a program in place, but he was fortunate to have a kind teacher help him with his resume and later secure employment. He was the first of seven in his family to earn a college degree, he said.

 

A total of 16 Graduation Center students completed G2J, the most since the program began in 2010.

 

Above: (Front row from left) Chamber President Steve Halter, students Sabastian Treaster, Tatyana Dye, Dakota Smith, Jacob Bruce, Austin Kirk, Dustin Luttrull, Aron Atkisson and Viterio Anderson, and teachers Gaelle Freer and R.T. McCain; (back row) Teacher Corey Jameson, and students Carl Dailey, Joseph Stracener, Billy Plemmons, Korbin Tutor, Timothy Powell and Robert Parks. Not present were students Corey Lashley and Caleb Morrow.