Copyright © 2002 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

TAHLEQUAH, OK - Cherokee Nation Talking Leaves Job Corps held its spring graduation ceremony on February 8, 2002 in the Talking Leaves Gymnasium. More than 150 students graduated, making this one of largest classes to graduate from Cherokee Nation Talking Leaves Job Corps.

Desi Custer of Del City, Okla. and Jeff Dittenber of Los Angeles, Calif. received the Outstanding Graduate Awards. Kim Schilling of Wagoner, Oklahoma, received the Outstanding GED Graduate Award.

Sueann Freeman, Academic Supervisor served as Master of Ceremonies. Trish Yellow Cloud led the invocation. State Representative Jim Wilson was the guest speaker. He spoke with students about the importance of setting goals and the pride in achieving them.

A pinning ceremony was held for Health Occupations students. They received their pins from Lisa Woodworth, Health Instructor.

Talking Leaves Job Corps offers students the opportunity to earn a certificate in one of the following fields: Business Office Technology, Health Occupations, Electrical Wiring, Culinary Arts, Facilities Maintenance, and Materials Handling. Students may also earn their GED while enrolled if they enter the program without a high school diploma. Talking Leaves also provides on campus housing for students.