Staff Writer
When Felix Tracy of Bridgeport, Conn., came to the Loring Job Corps Center, he planned to keep to himself, do his work and learn a trade.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Kirstie Moir, director of career advancement services, right, congratulates Lynette Tevenal before commencement exercises Friday at the Loring Job Corps Center. A dozen students from throughout New England received diplomas. Tevenal is a certified nursing assistant and plans to live and work in Aroostook County.
What he didn’t count on was becoming attached to “everyone and everybody,” he said, during an emotional address Friday at the center’s graduation.
Tracy was one of a dozen students who received diplomas during commencement ceremonies, for which he was chosen as the student speaker. Delivering the commencement address was Dr. William G. Egeler III, dean of students at the Northern Maine Community College in Presque Isle. Currently, the Job Corps center has 12 students attending NMCC.
“I expected to work, expected instructors who gave no respect,” Tracy said. “I expected the worse. It was hard adjusting to a new place especially when it’s in the middle of nowhere.”
While at the Limestone center, Tracy earned competency in three levels of medical transcription. He said he also found a “second mother” in his instructor, Carole Belanger, who joined him at the podium when his emotions overtook him.
“I’d like to thank you for everything,” said Tracy, as members of the audience offered encouragement as he finished his speech.
In his address, Egeler offered the students a few pieces of advice. Students should thank those that helped them get to the point of graduation.
“We do not do it alone,” said Egeler, asking the graduates to applaud those present for their assistance. “Pay that debt right now.”
The college dean also advised the graduates to “pay cash.”
“It allows you to be the master of your life,” Egeler said. “The peace that comes from not owing others is priceless.”
Egeler said that paying cash forces the individual to be disciplined, to save money and to set priorities.
“Keep striving,” was the third piece of advice Egeler had for the graduates.
“Today’s a wonder milestone, but it’s the beginning,” he said.
Also offering congratulations to the graduates was LJCC Director James Gagnon, who cited the students’ hard work.
“I’m proud of their tenacity and drive to exceed,” Gagnon said.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Felix Tracy, the student speaker at the Loring Job Corps Center’s graduation on Friday, right, is joined at the podium by LJCC Instructor Carole Belanger. During his speech, he said that he became attached to the center and that it would be difficult to leave.
Aroostook Republican photo/Debra Walsh
Mishelle Miller of Limestone was one of 12 students receiving diplomas during graduation ceremonies at the Loring Job Corps Center on Friday from LJCC Director James Gagnon. Miller studied culinary arts and earned her general education diploma.
