JOHN AARON JAMES has been actively involved in our in-school youth program since August 2006. During his summer work experience, he worked as a youth counselor at the Juvenile After School Program at the Mon Valley YMCA, Carroll Township. He is currently a freshman at the University of Southern California majoring in biomedical engineering. He was a 2007 graduate Ringgold High School and excelled in many programs. While in high school, he was involved with the Academic Team, Math & Science Honor Society, Debate Team, Black Cultures Club, Jazz Band, Science Club, and Interact Club, all the while, maintaining a 3.9 GPA. He is still involved in many college activities and maintains a 3.7 GPA, has a part-time job, and also teaches English as a Second Language to Hispanic youth.

SHAINA BAZYK was a student at Wheeling Central Catholic High School when she enrolled in Southwest Training Services' TANF summer work component. We placed her at the Washington County Purchasing Office in Courthouse Square where she was very successful. When the summer ended, she signed up for our year-round program for in-school youth. Shaina did well in school and was active in several plays and extracurricular activities, earning her a partial scholarship to Carlow College where she is majoring in English/ Communications. When she thinks about the future, she imagines herself as a a writer living with her family in Europe. She says her mother has been the most influential person in her life, imparting basic life skills and philosophies, bringing out the laughter in life, and providing a calming force. She says Southwest Training Services, Inc. gave her the tools to succeed through guidance, support and services.

REBECCA KIGER of Waynesburg, PA, starting working part-time while she was still in high school but was laid off four years later when the business closed. A single mother at that point, with only a high school degree, she was determined to make a life for herself and her daughter so she enrolled in Southwest Training Services, Inc.'s Youth Program. She received life skills training and when she expressed an interest in pursuing a career in accounting, the agency helped her qualify for tuition assistance, a transportation allowance and a needs-related payment so she could pursue an associate degree at Penn Commercial, Inc. Business and Technical School. Ms. Kiger worked hard and got good grades, receiving honors and even highest honors during some semesters. She also married her daughter's father, fulfilling one of her personal dreams. As part of her degree program, Ms. Kiger had an opportunity to do an internship in the accounts receivable/payable department of the Washington Wild Things, an independent Frontier baseball team. SWTS helped outfit her with the proper attire for this internship. When she graduated, she accepted a full-time position with the Washington Wild Things. This summer, she will begin the bachelor's degree program in accounting at the California University of Pennsylvania.

JEREMIAH HENDERSON joined the Southwest Training Services, Inc. Youth Employment Program in 2000, in search of paid work experience.  Having been diagnosed with a learning disability as a child, he expressed an interest in working in a classroom with disabled children. Jeremiah was placed as a teacher's aide at Margaret Bell Miller Middle School, and then as a substitute aide for the District.  He distinguished himself as a role model in both of these positions, and was offered a full-time job with the Intermediate Unit, fulfilling his dream of a career in education. Jeremiah is the recipient of the 2002 Governor's Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance in Workforce Investment Act Programs. His ability to overcome obstacles in his path provides inspiration for us all.