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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Performers at the Loring Job Corps Center’s Evening with the North Stars showcased their musical talents at the recognition dinner held on Nov. 15. In front, from left, brothers Lossene and Lassana Dorleh. In back, Annie Charles, Vallan Lewis, Marcus Blake, Andreya Stevenson, Joseph Moreira, Yessenia “Jessie” Vilar, Charity Luster and Peter Gay. |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
LIMESTONE — The many talents of its students and service awards handed out to the local community were the focus of Loring Job Corps Center’s annual Evening with the North Stars recognition dinner held at the LJC Community Center and Ballroom on Nov. 15.
Members of the community are invited to attend the event each year to honor community businesses, employers, leaders, congressional delegation members and LJCC staff for their support of the program over the year.
The LJCC Honor Color Guard, led by Sgt. Maj. Roger Felix, posted colors before the dinner that was prepared by students of LJCC’s culinary arts program was served. LJC Business and Community Liaison Pamela Buck served as mistress of ceremonies, and Center Director Kristie Moir thanked the community for its continuing support of LJCC.
The first award to be given out was the Outstanding Work Based Learning Award, which is presented to an organization that provides internships for LJC students in order for them to get practical hands-on experience in their chosen field of study. This was the second year that the award was presented with last year’s award going to Hogan Tire of Caribou.
The city of Caribou Public Works Department received this year’s award.
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Caribou Public Works Director Dave Ouellette accepts the Loring Job Corps Center’s Outstanding Work Base Learning Award on behalf of CPW at the Evening with the North Stars recognition dinner on Nov. 15. Pam Buck, LJCC’s business and community liaison, presented the award. |
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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Bill Flagg receives the Loring Job Corps Citizen Award from LJCC’s Business and Community Liaison Pam Buck, left, while LJCC Industry Council Chairman Patricia Zenzius and LJCC Community Relations Council Chairman Connie Sandstrom look on. Zenzius and Sandstrom also received Outstanding Service Awards for their work on their respective boards over the years. Both are stepping down this year. |
“We appreciate the many opportunities the city of Caribou has provided over the years,” Buck stated while presenting the award to Dave Ouellette, public works director. “CPW has allowed our students to have real understanding of being engaged in the workforce, and practicing the technical training and soft skills their industry seeks. This training is priceless and valuable to our students.”
Buck asked LJCC Industry Council Chairperson Patrcia Zenzius and LJCC Community Relations Council Chairperson Connie Sandstrom to join her at the podium for the presentation of the Loring Job Corps Citizen Award. This award is presented annually to “a citizen or non-profit agency that has contributed time, energy and/or resources toward the betterment of the Loring Job Corps Center’s students and staff.”
This year’s award was presented to Bill Flagg, Cary Medical Center’s director of community relations and development.
“Bill and Cary Medical Center have continuously engaged with our students, including internships, hundreds of hours of community service partnerships, recruitment seminars and radio spotlights for LJCC. Those are just a few of the projects he has taken the helm on,” Buck stated about Flagg’s dedication to LJCC.
Flagg was surprised by the award. During his acceptance speech, he offered much praise for the LJCC students and noted how reliable they were.
“You can’t help but be moved by their stories,” Flagg said.
Buck then thanked Zenzius and Sandstrom for their work as board chairs. Both ladies have been on their respective boards since the beginning of LJCC and are both stepping down this year. Buck noted that Zenzius will be replaced by Patty Perry of the Presque Isle Career Center, and Robert Watson, district manager for the Department of Transportation, will take Sandstrom’s place.
Buck presented Zenzius and Sandstrum with flowers and Outstanding Service Awards for their dedication throughout the years.
After the awards were complete, the audience was treated to a line-up of Job Corps students showcasing their musical talents. In addition to the students, members of The Maine Dance Academy, Junior Miss Aroostook County Yessenia “Jessie” Vilar and vocalist Annie Charles also performed.
