By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — The Loring Job Corps Center graduated 146 students from all over New England on June 10, nearly packing the center’s ballroom with a proud crowd to celebrate the students’ milestone accomplishment.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Sixty-five of the 146 graduates celebrated at the Loring Job Corps Center on June 10 donned caps and gowns for the commencement ceremony.
“Some people will go on to be an employee, others will become entrepreneurs, all of you have a chance at becoming something great,” student speaker Raevius Glass told his fellow graduates during his commencement address. “There’s a whole world filled with amazing opportunities for us to benefit from.”
Assistant Director of Admissions of the Northern Maine Community College and founder of the Dutch Soccer Academy, Robbie Krul was the guest speaker at the commencement and, among other life lessons, told the graduates that change is not only inevitable, it’s good for you.
“The decisions you have made in your past got you to where you are today, both good and bad, and more importantly, the decisions you make today will determine your future,” Krul said. “Be the change you want to see, use your gifts to implement that change,” he added, emphasizing that if the graduates didn’t like where they’ve been, don’t like where they are or don’t like where they’re going, they can always change.
He also expressed the importance of finishing what you’ve started.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Ray Hughes, center, carefully ponders the words of guest speaker Robbie Krul at the Loring Job Corps graduation ceremony on June 10. Graduates pictured include, from left, Brittany Spinks, Derrick Robinson III, Hughes and Alonza Willoughby. Back row: Kristie Moir, Center Director; Nicole Cote, Administrative Director; Tina LePage, Education Director and Lauri McMillon, Employability Director.
“Go over one hurdle until you get to the next one all the way to the finish line; it will build maturity and character, and I believe that’s part of what you’ve done by finishing your degrees,” Krul told the blue-clad graduates of the Loring Job Corps Center.
As Krul spoke of life’s lessons he’s learned along the way, he stressed following one’s heart and being the best person one can possibly be — which includes volunteering.
“Volunteering is so important. It makes you feel good by giving of yourself and you will always be rewarded, one way or another. Here at the Loring Job Corps Center you’ve learned that important life lesson and trust me, the people of Aroostook County have noticed and are grateful for what you’ve done,” he said.
In closing, Krul congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and urged them to keep learning.
“I believe with all my heart that you can make a difference now that you’ve proven your success in finishing your education here at Loring Job Corps — do not be afraid to learn more,” he urged. “Education will open doors for you. Be a life-long learner and give back to your community in whatever way you define community.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Heather Simons, center, and the rest of the Loring Job Corps Summer Class of 2011 turned the tassels on their mortarboards and officially became graduates during the June 10 ceremony.
Student Government President of the LJC Samantha Martin also congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
“You have proven to yourself and others that you can come out of your comfort zone and complete goals that you have set for yourself,” she said, adding that now that their goals for the Loring Job Corps Center have been achieved, it’s time to think about the goals they’ve set for their lives.
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Student speaker Raevius Glass told his fellow graduates “we owe it to ourselves to make every day count.”
Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie Bazinet
Assistant Director of Admissions of the Northern Maine Community College and founder of the Dutch Soccer Academy, Robbie Krul was the guest speaker at the Loring Job Corps graduation ceremony on June 10.
