On September 16 Quincy YouthBuild awarded 17 certificates to its eighth graduating class at the Four's Restaurant.
“This is such a celebration of these young men who have exhibited a lot of dedication and commitment,” said TRA President Paul Gallo, noting that 23 had started the program. Addressing them, he added, “You should be proud. You can go forward. We’re all proud of you and wish you all the best of luck in the future.”
J. E. Addison is one of several students for whom college is the next step. He has started at Cambridge College in the Year-Up program, majoring in computer science and business.
Others will pursue construction trades. Valedictorian Ryan Serafini is now in the carpenters’ union. David Barron will participate in Quincy Housing Authority’s Step Up program. Others are working toward getting their union cards.
Three of the students will find their careers in the arts. Derek Vautrinot tours with a band which has signed with Ferret Records. Jaryd Quirk plans to study sound engineering and Joseph Pepin is looking to pursue visual arts.
District Councilman Leo Kelly called the program “federal money best spent.” He expressed gratitude for a reconstructed float which children in his district enjoyed this summer, noting it would not have been accomplished without YouthBuild. He also thanked them for the new boardwalk which will be dedicated in October.
“When you look back you’ll say to yourself I did a good thing for myself,” he told the students.
QHA Executive Director Jay MacRitchie congratulated the graduates’ families “who have been supportive and will continue to be supportive as they go into the workforce.” To the graduates he said, “Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get a job right away,” noting an opening at QHA for which there were 50 applicants.
“YouthBuild 2008 graduates are a great group of talented, smart and dedicated young adults. We are so proud of their accomplishments. They have excelled at the worksite, received their GEDS, and participated in numerous community service projects,” said Isabel J. Cobb, TRA Quincy Manager.
With direction and support from QHA, Quincy YouthBuild students helped replace roofs, siding, and windows at 180 four-family buildings in the Riverview Family Development in the “Germantown” neighborhood.
“We are very pleased to be partners with Training Resources of America in this very worthwhile program. We’re proud of the accomplishments of the participants. Their work has certainly improved the properties of the Quincy Housing Authority. We look forward to continuing to work with them in the future,” said MacRitchie.
This year’s community service included weekly volunteer work at Cradles to Crayons. One projects involved making backpacks for students returning to school.
The students also participated in YouthBuild Coalition activities including Red Sox Foundation Nation Community Service Day at the Brockton Veterans Hospital, the annual YouthBuild State House Day where Michael Morganelli was a keynote speaker, the YouthBuild Carpentry Challenge competition and the basketball tournament.
Family and friends were on hand to congratulate the graduates as they prepare to use their new skills in the workplace.
