LIMESTONE, Maine — Loring Job Corps, a residential training and educational facility in Limestone, recently received the rank of 20th best facility out of 131 in the country, bumping them 24 slots higher than last year, and 100 slots higher than they were in 2008.
Loring Job Corps Center Director Kristie Moir attributed the facility’s rank as number 20 in the nation to the hard work of students and staff during a July 27 Community Relations luncheon. (Staff photo/Christopher Bouchard)
The announcement highlighted a July 27 community luncheon. After culinary students prepared an array of entrees, sides and desserts for attendants, including grilled chicken, beef short ribs, portabella, zucchini, steamed cauliflower and fruit salad, Job Corps Honor Guard Sergeant Major and Business and Community Liaison Roger Felix welcomed guests and spoke about the facility’s exponential rise in the ranks.
“This huge success did not come overnight,” said Felix. “It was due to total commitment from both staff and students. Together as a team we’ve worked to maintain the image of a premier learning and educational facility.”
Felix told guests that, last year, 166 students successfully completed trade programs, 92 completed educational programs by obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent credential, 74 completed both the trade and educational program, 140 are now employed, 10 are currently in the military and eight are enrolled in higher learning programs.
Felix said the Job Corps staff is dedicated to providing students with a “driven, results-oriented program.”
Roger Felix, who serves as both Business and Community Liaison as well as Honor Guard Sergeant Major for Loring Job Corps, spoke to guests about the facility’s high national ranking during a Community Relations and Workforce Industry luncheon held on July 27 in Limestone. (Staff photo/Christopher Bouchard)
“We teach social skills that add to getting a great job,” Felix said,” and also teach people how to live independently. We ensure that graduates find jobs. Even if they move back to New York, we’ll make sure they find a good job.”
Felix introduced Job Corps Center Director Kristie Moir, who shed some more light on the Limestone facility’s continued success.
Moir said the high ranking is “like being the Harvard of all Job Corps.”
“We expect the best of our students, and will make sure we provide the best for each of them so when they leave, we can ensure they have credentials needed to make their goals a reality,” Moir said.
Moir said that last year, a student from Washington D.C. recently enrolled in the Loring facility’s Cisco program.
“You think of all the Job Corps centers in the country, there are students who can choose any facility, but come all the way up here because they know we’re the best of the best,” Moir said. “Loring students are eager to learn. They’re motivated, talented and committed.”
