Tuesday, May 6, 2003

Local Youth Honored at Recognition Event May 2nd

More than 50 Atlantic and Cape May county youth and young adults were honored for attaining a career, education or personal goal and over 100 recognized for completing work readiness training and education programs at a Youth Recognition Event held Friday, May 2, 2003 at the Pleasantville Middle School.

The youth who received awards participated in one of the many in and out-of school employment and training programs funded locally by the Youth Investment Council of the Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board. Participating programs included: Atlantic City Family Centers, Atlantic County Special Services School District, Atlantic Cape May Youth Advocate Program, Buena Teen Center, Cape May County School for Special Service’s The Alternative Way, Egg Harbor Township’s Eagle Enterprise and Eagle Academy, Jersey Cape Diagnostics Training & Opportunity, Inc. PREP and ODOSY programs, New Jersey Youth Corps and Pleasantville High School.

The highlight of the evening was a motivational speech presented by Marvin Frazier, former Denver Broncos wide receiver encouraging the youth to “reach for the stars and you’ll land on the moon!” In addition Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson, Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board’s Chairperson, Steve Gillian, Karalee Kludzuweit and Donna Vassallo, Co-Chairs of the Youth Investment Council and Michael Rhodes, President of Atlantic Cape May Career Centers, Inc. participated in the event to recognize the achievements of the many youth who attended.

“Many of the youth with us today have overcome barriers to achieve their goals,” stated Michael Rhodes. “They have shown commitment and perseverance, qualities that employers look for when hiring young adults. We are all proud of their accomplishments and wish them the very best with future endeavors.”

In addition, Burdette Tomlin Memorial Hospital and Tropicana Casino and Resort were also recognized for their commitment to youth employment and training opportunities at the event.

The young adults who received special recognition awards took home $20 gift certificates to the Hamilton Mall. Others had chances to win prizes at a pizza party held after the awards ceremony, where they were entertained by a disc jockey.

County News