Refusing to accept academic failure, 42 young adults were honored Wednesday for earning their high school diplomas and preparing for successful futures.
The students left their high school for various reasons but all found a supportive, nurturing environment at NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus. The alternative education program is run by NewBridge Services, Inc., a nonprofit provider of behavioral health and education programs and services.
“Everybody treats us with respect, and the instructors believe in me,’’ said 17-year-old Elvis Reyes, who attended the commencement held at the Elks Lodge in Boonton. The Dover resident will attend the County College of Morris in the fall to pursue a career in radiography.
Tiara Nocchi, 17, of Wharton, struggled to keep pace with her teachers at Morris Hills High School. She gave up and turned to NewBridge 70001, where the instructors “wouldn’t move onto new material until they were sure we actually learned it,’’ she said.
Nocchi’s sister Jessica Yates – a 2001 graduate of NewBridge 70001 – jumped to her feet and cheered when Nocchi was named an Associate of the Year. “I told her she could do this, and she even got an award!’’ Yates said. “I am very proud of her.’’
Brian Wells, 18, of Mine Hill, said the program put him on track to achieve his dream of becoming a professional auto mechanic. Wells had struggled through most of his classes at Dover High School and by last June, he was at risk of dropping out.
At NewBridge 70001, the instructors “made learning easy for me, and I got one-on-one help when I needed it,’’ said Wells, who also was honored as Associate of the Year. NewBridge guided Wells through the application and financial aid process so he can enroll in a national automotive school in September. NewBridge also helped him land a full-time job at a Jiffy Lube.
In its 27th year, NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus helps residents of Morris, Sussex and Warren counties between the ages of 16 and 21 earn high school diplomas and focus on long-term career goals. The free program offers group and individual educational, job training and placement assistance, as well as free transportation in Morris County.
This year’s graduates hail from Boonton, Butler, Dover, Lake Hopatcong, Mine Hill, Morristown, Mount Olive, Parsippany, Randolph, Rockaway, Roxbury, Stanhope and elsewhere.
NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus receives funding from the Workforce Investment Board of Morris//Sussex and Warren Counties, the Morris County Board of Chosen Freeholders, United Way of Morris County, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, NewBridge Fund, Verizon and community residents.
For information on NewBridge 70001 Jobs Plus, call (973) 335-0666. For information about NewBridge, call 888-746-9333 or visit www.newbridge.org
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