"I don't even know how to plant a tree," said Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein to a group of Tree Trust Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) graduates. "These are going to be skills you guys are using for the rest of your life."
On Friday, August 14, Tree Trust celebrated the graduation of 10 YACC participants with a ceremony and picnic at Boom Island Park in Minneapolis. Hennepin County Commissioners Mark Stenglein and Peter McLaughlin as well as Tree Trust staff showed their support for the graduates' accomplishments and enjoyed lunch compliments of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers.
Two graduates, Keandre Williams and Jose Roldan, shared some advice for the current YACC crew members. "You gotta be strong - can't be scared of no heat," said Williams. "Come every day, for real," said Roldan. Commissioner Stenglein agreed, saying, "Life is showing up." Roldan continued, "Do your best, be the best… especially believe in what you do."
In addition to the quality projects and service to the community these graduates completed during their time with Tree Trust - like building a timber staircase at Innsbruck Nature Center in Fridley and mowing lawns for low-income elderly and disabled homeowners - they also developed a sense of pride in working hard. "I like when everybody's working together," said Williams. "You feel proud and accomplished of your projects."
"Hopefully while you guys were working on your projects, you learned something about yourselves," said Tree Trust Director of Forestry & Conservation Corps Dave Nozal. Their crew leaders certainly learned about them; they handed out awards to the graduate who ate the most honey buns and to the graduate who sang the loudest in the truck on the way to work in the morning.
As the graduates move on - some to further their education, some to start their careers - they leave behind a lasting impression on the local landscape and take with them an understanding and appreciation of what it takes to be a great worker: solid attendance, respect for their supervisor and their fellow co-workers and pride in a job well done.
Learn more about YACC.
1 comment:
I was in the YACC for one year in New Hampshire.
"This was in 1980-81".
It was one of the best jobs I ever had. I learned a lot, and got to know a lot of great people.
I'm glad that this work is still
going on. LTH 1/30/2010
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