On Thursday, December 12, 2024, community and business leaders came together for the quarterly Community Relations Council breakfast at the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center. This event, held on the Job Corps campus, offered a unique opportunity for local leaders to interact directly with Job Corps students, learning more about the valuable work they’re doing both on campus and within the community.
The breakfast, prepared by students in the Culinary Arts Department, provided attendees a firsthand look at the students’ skills and aspirations. Students shared their experiences in the program, including their plans for the future. Among them were Elijah Clark and Clark Woods, two Culinary Arts students recently accepted into an advancement program in Treasure Island, California. This program will give them the opportunity to work with Disney, marking a significant step in their culinary careers.
Catherine Goodson, Business Engagement Specialist for Job Corps, welcomed the group and highlighted recent student involvement in the community.
Job Corps students played a key role at Waterfest, where they assisted with setting up tents and helping vendors. This year, they were particularly instrumental in setting up the kids’ water inflatables. Their assistance during the event did not go unnoticed, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for their hard work.
Additionally, Job Corps students contributed to the success of the recently organized Irish Festival. Students from the security program were responsible for managing the event grounds, checking in attendees, and even setting up a first aid tent. Their professionalism and commitment were praised by local business owners, with one planning to seek future opportunities for security students to assist with events at her property.
The NJROTC program also played a vital role in the community, offering flag ceremonies at special events and proudly participating in local parades.
One notable community project involved Job Corps’ Carpentry students, who came to the aid of the Friends of the Wells, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring mineral waters and preserving historical wells. After a recent storm damaged the Crystal Lithia pagoda, the Carpentry students rebuilt the decorative fencing, restoring it to its original state.
The breakfast also celebrated a long-standing tradition of Job Corps students’ involvement in the community’s Christmas celebrations. The Culinary students once again delighted the public by preparing hundreds of delicious cookies for families to enjoy in the Hall of Waters following the Christmas parade.
The morning’s event concluded with Center Director Lori Sams recognizing two key partners: the Excelsior Springs Area Chamber of Commerce and Crescent Lake Christian Center. Both organizations were instrumental in supporting the recent Job Corps Open House. The Chamber provided transportation via their trolleys, while the Christian Center generously offered their parking lot for the event. Chamber Executive Director Brian Rice and Pastor Mike Boudreaux of Crescent Lake Christian Center were on hand to receive formal recognition.
For community members or business owners interested in partnering with the Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, Catherine Goodson is the contact person at 816-630-5501.
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