Two trainees graduate from Young Adult Conservation Corps

Kenny Clark and LaTravis McCoy (pictured above) graduated from the Young Adult Conservation Corps (YACC) program on Friday, March 27 after spending six months building park improvement projects, cutting down dead and diseased trees and removing buckthorn while developing a sense of teamwork and an appreciation for the rewards of hard work.

YACC program staff and participants came together for a pizza party to celebrate Clark and McCoy's accomplishments and wish them well. "They taught me to keep things positive, that we can still get a lot done if we have fun and work hard," said their crew leader, Teresa Loetscher, to an audience of program staff, new job trainees and the graduates.

The graduates both enjoyed their time with Tree Trust and wish it could have lasted longer, despite the trials of getting up early in the morning and working outside through the entire winter. When asked to name the most difficult aspect of his experience, McCoy responded with one word: "Cold."

McCoy especially enjoyed working on the retaining wall at 8th & Washburn in North Minneapolis: "I felt like I was really able to develop and use a variety of skills to make that project come together." Clark's first project was also his favorite: the dugout he helped build in Hastings. "I really surprised myself with what I could do," he said.

The two graduates learned a lot during their six months with Tree Trust. McCoy said he "gained some great technical skills in the construction trade" and came to appreciate the value of coming to work on time every day. Clark said he "learned how to measure, assess safety standards, read blueprints and work with a variety of hand and power tools" and he "learned how to work as a team."

Clark thanked everyone "for putting up with me and giving me a shot," and advised the new job trainees to "Come to work, learn as much as you can, and strive to be the best crew member you can be." McCoy had this piece of advice for the newer YACCers in the room: "Come to work on time, show effort, pay attention and you will be successful."

Learn more about the Young Adult Conservation Corps.