48 Sonoma teens, ready to work
Forty-eight Sonoma teenagers earned certificates from Teen Services Sonoma, a five-week course teaching the skills needed for getting that first paying job.
Becky Jo Peterson, Teen Services Sonoma executive director, welcomed teens, family members, staff, board members and friends to celebrate the accomplishment at an October 25 event at Vintage House.
The event was held Friday, October 25th at Vintage House.
Peterson said TSS was delighted that both the Work Readiness classes and graduation had to be moved to larger spaces to accommodate the larger of students taking the course this semester. “Over the past five weeks, these young people diligently participated in a series of after-school workshops to learn the skills needed for securing their first jobs,” she said.
The students gained self-confidence as they llearned about the application and hiring process, money management, and customer service; completed their first resumes; and participated in interviews with local business professionals.
Instructor Jennifer Blackwood explained the course to the guests, and with Casey Richter TSS Program Director, congratulated the students on the skills they have learned and the confidence they have gained.
Ready to Work Certificates were then handed out to each of the graduates from Sonoma Valley and Creekside High Schools to rounds of applause – followed, of course, by appetizers and cookies prepared by the Lovin’ Oven – one of Teen Service’s social enterprises.
Congratulations go to: Kaya Akins, Joshua Alcaraz, Marisol Alvarez, Vince Basada, Adrian Cabrera, Vanessa Carrillo, Cross Collins, Victor Corona, Ennio Dada, Javi Dorantes, Yasmin Esper, Daphne Fedor, Agustin Fernandez, Alex Filippi, Katherine Fonseca Rodriguez, Dayana Gomez, Lupita Gutierrez, Nathan Gutierrez, Val Gutierrez, Sandra Hagstrom, Zachary Hammond, Eddy Haro, Alex Hipkiss, John Hoffman, Rosie Houghton, Diego Jaramillo, Patricia Jimenez, Tommy Long, Beatriz Lopez, Chases McNeilly, David Mendoza, Marisol Morales, Dominic Pisani, Carlos Ramirez, Alonso Robles, Alonso Rodriguez, Ava Rowley, Prisila Ruiz, Uli Saiz-Tapia, Gabe Schaus, Max Sinclair, Spencer Spotts, Giovanni Stechman, Lucas Stevenson, Mia Sweeney, Owen Vanzant, Nataly Vargas, and Natalie Wetzel.
The Spring Work Readiness Course will begin in February. Students interested in signing up for the free course should contact Casey Richter – [email protected].
