MAYOR SHIRLEY FRANKLIN PRESENTS OVER 40 AWARDS TO ATLANTA TECHNICAL COLLEGE GRADUATES

ATLANTA, August 21, 2009 - Mayor Shirley Franklin honored over 40 high school students from area Atlanta Public Schools Monday night, August 10, 2009, in a commencement ceremony at Atlanta Technical College. These young people were recruited from their local schools during the spring and assessed to meet Atlanta Technical College’s requirements for acceptance in high demand occupations such as patient care technicians, pharmacy technicians, and air conditioning technician assistants.

The mayor, along with Deborah Lum, Executive Director of Atlanta Workforce Development Agency, Dr. Alvetta Thomas, President of Atlanta Technical College, and Joseph Larche from the Georgia Department of Labor recognized these students for their hard work and commitment to the six week summer program, in which they earned certificates in their respective fields of study.

The mayor applauded all 49 graduates. She compelled and challenged them to pursue higher heights in education; a mission that the Mayor’s Youth Program promotes. “You started a program and you finished it. We are very proud of you… You can’t make this the last step in your learning. Use this as a stepping stone; as the next part of your career…Don’t just coast along. The top students are remembered and each of you can be the top”, said Mayor Franklin.

The top 2009 Patient Care Technician graduate was Grady High School student Mae Murray. The 17 year-old high school senior desires to follow in her mother’s footsteps and further her education in nursing. Dianne Murray is a Certified Nursing Assistant and she “expects no less” from her daughter. The Mayor’s Youth program aims to develop Atlanta Public School seniors from all backgrounds by creating an active plan for them to pursue educational excellence in post-secondary institutions and/or workforce training. In the four years since its conception the Mayor’s Youth Program has transformed several students’ lives including the life of 22-year old Sierra Jordan.

Jordan described herself before joining the program as a procrastinator, who tried to take shortcuts in life, fell into the wrong crowd, and eventually dropped out of high school during her junior year. Nowadays, the single mother exudes self-confidence, has her GED and certificate as a patient care technician, and will be heading to college to complete her registered nursing degree in hopes of obtaining employment in a major hospital. Jordan praises the Mayor’s Program & the YouthBuild Program for transforming her life, “Metro Atlanta YouthBuild changed my life completely, the way I think of myself. How to be motivated and to never give up if a door closes another door will open. I can say I have grown from the person I used to be. My experience with the Mayor’s Youth Program has been overwhelming (experience and) it was helpful for me to continue my education.”

The ceremony ended with cheers as each graduate walked across the floor proudly to receive their certificate and shake the mayor’s hand. In her keynote address the mayor encouraged them to sow their gifts back to the community. “Each of you has a God given talent that only you can give and the world is waiting for you to give it back.”

Dr. Alvetta Thomas - President of Atlanta Technical College and Deborah Lum - Executive Director of Atlanta Workforce Development Agency present Jonathan Patterson with his Patient Care Technician Diploma

Sierra Jordan beam's with proud after receiving her Patient Care Technician Diploma. She plans to be a registered nurse.