AUGUSTA, Maine — On Feb. 28 students of the Loring Honor Guard and Roger Felix, the Loring business engagement coordinator/Honor Guard sergeant major. traveled to the state capital in Augusta to present the colors at the opening ceremony of the Maine State Senate.
While in the Senate chambers the students were honored individually by name to a standing ovation in the Senate Chambers, as well as in the official calendar. In addition while in the Senate the group served as the official Job Corps ambassadors in receipt of a proclamation on behalf of the State of Maine honoring the 60th anniversary of Job Corps with special acknowledgement of the Loring and Penobscot Centers support to the youth of Maine and the nation.
After receiving the many accolades and warm applause from the Senate the group then also met with Gov. Janet Mills, who also personally thanked the team for taking the long trip from Northern Maine to serve as the color guard for the Senate ceremony to present the colors, and visit the state house and see how many government works. The governor complimented the sunsets on joining the Job Corps program and taking on the challenge of learning a trade and continuing their education for future employment. Mills told the group that today more than ever its vital to learn a trade as our state and country need as many skilled trades people as possible and the need for a skilled workforce continues to grow.
The governor presented the team with a letter of congratulations recognizing the 60th anniversary of Job Corps as well as outlining the many successes for both the Loring and Penobscot Centers as it related to student statistical success and the continued dedication to the communities they serve in Maine. While in Augusta the team was also joined by Penobscot Job Corps Outreach and Admissions Representative Julia Sternad who assisted the team in outlining the many programs and benefits of Job Corps to the many state officials and staff members the group had the opportunity to meet with.
The students received a first hand look at how the government works at a state level and shared their personal journey on how choosing Job Corps has changed their lives to the many lawmakers and capital staff during the visit.
