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| Aroostook Republican photo/Natalie De La Garza On Nov. 20, during the annual Evening With the Northstars event, Rep Bernard Ayotte (R-Caswell) and Rep Carol McElwee (R-Caribou) presented Loring Job Corps Center Business and Community Liaison and Work-based Learning Coordinator Pamela Buck with a Legislative Certificate of Appreciation. |
By Natalie De La Garza
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — It’s been a challenging year for the Loring Job Corps Center that’s reinforced the old saying “every cloud has a silver lining.”
“It’s been a year that we’ve faced many, many challenges and, like always, together we’ve been able to maneuver around those challenges and obstacles, overcome the hurdles, and keep our focus on our number-one priority, which is serving the youth, educating them and training them and helping them find what their next steps in life are,” said Center Director Kristie Moir during the annual Evening with the NorthStars event on Nov. 20.
Whether the Loring students are looking to finding a job post-graduation, go to college, receive additional advanced training or join the military, the greater community has helped Job Corps officials prepare their students for the next step, “and we want to thank you for your continued support of those endeavors,” Moir said.
While center officials showed their appreciation for community support during the annual dinner and talent show, this year one of their own received some much-deserved recognition.
Usually the one giving accolades and praise, Business and Community Liaison and Work-based Learning Coordinator for the Loring Job Corps Center Pamela Buck found herself on the other side of the podium on Nov. 20 when she herself was the recipient of recognition. Buck was honored and applauded by co-workers, community members and students for the contributions she’s made to the LJCC during her five-year career.
A former president of the Caribou Rotary Club and well known community member, Buck will be leaving Loring next month when she moves downstate, and neither community members nor coworkers were shy about expressing how much Buck will be missed
Moir stated that Buck has been a positive face for the Loring Job Corps Center at both the local and state level — and an excellent spokesperson for all Job Corps centers.
“She’s opened doors for new employment opportunities for our students, increased the agencies and community partners that work with us and — for all of you who know Pam — her passion is to help our students, and she always puts them first,” Moir stated. “Pam is the kind of person that everybody would be very grateful, and thankful, and appreciate to have on their team … and I just want to say, on behalf of our staff and students, that we wish you the best of luck with your future endeavors,” she added, mentioning that Buck will always be a part of the Loring Job Corps team.
Maine State Representatives Carol McElwee (R-Caribou) and Bernard Ayotte (R-Caswell) echoed Moir’s statements, Ayotte speaking about the different ways Buck facilitated positive community relations for the Loring center and facilitated increased job training experiences for the Job Corps students and McElwee mentioning how Buck personally affected her students.
McElwee commented on the way that Buck brought much style and grace to her job — a common sentiment expressed to Buck during the event — but specifically, McElwee spoke about how impactive the center’s graduation ceremonies are.
“Now graduation ceremonies are usually boring, but not here,” said the longtime educator, commenting how the ceremonies at LJCC always moved along easily and effectively. “But the thing that impressed me the most … was the fact that you gave each graduate their moment in time, and it was so wonderful. They’d look at you with such pride and appreciation,” McElwee added. “You are going to be sorely missed.”
Ayotte also commented on the uniqueness Buck brings to her job.
“You have that rare ability to make everyone feel special and make everyone feel important,” Ayotte said. “When you speak with someone, I notice how you listen to them; you’re always attentive to their ideas, you listen carefully to what they have to say, and I believe this is the secret to your great success.”
Buck was presented with a Legislative Certificate of Appreciation and an assurance that, aside from students, community members and co-workers, the northern Aroostook Legislative Delegation will miss her.
“I am very humbled and honored,” Buck said with thanks upon receiving the certificate. “This position I’ve had here at Loring Job Corps has been my favorite … I don’t call it a job — you don’t call it a job when you go to work and enjoy everything you’re doing, the people you’re working with and the young adults you get to work with,” she added.
“Personally, I will always stand behind the efforts of Job Corps, for I have seen the successes of many, many students and know the value of this program,” Buck said. “This has been my most rewarding and favorite job; I’m privileged to be part of the Loring Job Corps family and this community.
As Buck paused to gather her thoughts, a student shouted “We love you!” and others chimed in with their supportive words.
“This has been the easiest job for me, not only because of the support from the staff that I work with, but for the students that I serve,” Buck concluded, “and yes, I love all of you too.”
