Elevate Work graduation held

On May 14, families and friends gathered to celebrate the graduation of the spring class of the Elevate Work program. 

Following opening prayer by instructor Doug Lay, a video presentation highlighted the accomplishments and memorable moments of the class. Lay thanked the class sponsors, Randy and Tracy Haddock; and student sponsors Aglow International, Dee Bopp and Sue Gordy, Heart’s Desires Unlimited, Cassie Pickle, Krista Pickle; and Jeff and Brenda Smith. He also recognized past sponsors and mentors in attendance, acknowledging their contributions to the success of the program. 

Elevate Work is the workforce development program of Elevate Branson, helping accomplish the overall mission of Elevate Branson by developing skills for sustainable employment. Some students enroll as a step forward out of generational poverty; some hope to turn their lives around or overcome past issues; others are seeking new focus following a major life change; still others are already employed or even college graduates, looking to pursue long-held dreams or make new connections. 

Elevate Work helps provide friendships, accountability and a sense of community. The program is not easy: Students must attend class regularly, twice weekly for nine weeks, and complete homework assignments. They also learn from local business owners and professionals, prepare a resumé, and participate in mock interviews to receive feedback. 

The Elevate Work curriculum incorporates life lessons based on several people in the Bible, and students’ children can participate in age-appropriate curriculum using the same themes. This spring, Ryker Wiggins completed the program, under the direction of Elevate Kids Director Cathy Brown. Ryker received a certificate and a stuffed toy dog patterned after Theo, who serves as emotional support and therapy dog for Elevate Kids programs. 

Featured speaker for the evening was Stephanie Callahan, CEO of Lightspeed Electrical Services. She encouraged those present to “get out of your comfort zone” in order to achieve goals in life, sharing her personal journey of losses and challenges that led to eventually completing her college degree and becoming a successful business owner. “We say ‘no’ to avoid risk of failure,” she told the students, “but that causes us to miss opportunities.” Callahan encouraged students to turn their “Can I?” questions into “How can I?” and use them to establish steps toward goals. 

As always, the highlight of graduation was seeing each graduate receive their certificate, along with a packet of resources for next steps. This spring’s graduates are: 

• Tabatha Kenoyer 

• Katelyn Bowman 

• Phillip Ebker 

• Carla VanCleve 

• Frank Arnold 

• Aiden Barton 

• Daisy Fenton 

• Murphy Bowman 

• Pearl Fenton 

• Kaylee Polley 

It’s always special to hear graduates and mentors share what the class has meant to them, with the mentors unanimous in stating they have learned from the experience right along with the students and gained lasting friendships. 

“I’ve been wanting to network more in Branson, and this class has been such a huge help,” shared Phillip, who is already achieving his goal of working in radio. “I’m so grateful for all the lessons and all the love poured into me,” said Carla. 

This class was somewhat unusual in that some of the students are teens still in high school. Staff and classmates agreed that the younger students brought a new level of energy, and as for the teens, they appreciated the positive steps toward developing goals and knowing there is a community that supports them. “I had some things sort of planned out already,” said Daisy, “but it was really helpful to have someone encouraging me to do them.” 

Wrapping up the graduation program, Donna McConkey thanked all the behind-the-scenes personnel, including thrift store personnel, van drivers, kitchen staff and others, as well as the local Target for providing a surprise gift bag for each student. 

If you’re ready to take that positive step and change your life for the better, check out the next class which begins September 8, atwww.ElevateBranson.org. Anyone interested in helping make a difference in a student’s life as a business panel member or volunteer mentor should contact donna.mcconkey@elevatebranson.org.