Three Poplar Bluff Graduation Center students were hired at area businesses before even completing this year’s Gateway 2 Jobs program. Another three were awarded college scholarships during the graduation ceremony on Friday, Oct. 21, at the Chamber of Commerce.

The annual work ethics certification program organized by the Poplar Bluff Chamber takes students through a series of workshops centered on resume writing and job interviewing, hosted by volunteer business leaders and educators.

Asked what skills he applied from the program when he was hired just last week by McDonald’s, student Korbin Tutor replied: “Firm handshake, look them in the eyes, sit up straight, dress nice – you know, the basics.”

Since he learned the ropes from industry professionals, student Austin Kirk added he was not nervous during his successful interview for a job at the newly opened Panda Express. In fact he was so confident he provided a recommendation for Carl Dailey, another one of the participants, who is now employed at the Chinese food restaurant as well.

Dailey, along with classmates Jacob Bruce and Joseph Stravener, was awarded a $500 scholarship to Three Rivers College through the Endowment Trust in cooperation with donor Sharon Kissinger of Kissinger & Kirkman Investment Centre. Kissinger, in partnership with Chamber President Steve Halter, was instrumental in founding the G2J program six years ago.

“We’re glad to be able to invest in our local community,” said Allen Brooks, who serves on the scholarship committee of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust board. “Don’t think small on this. Branch out. Don’t limit yourselves.”

Speaking to the participants, Brooks recalled that when he was a student there was not such a program in place, but he was fortunate to have a kind teacher assist him with his resume and later secure work. He was the first of seven in his family to earn a college degree, he said.

A total of 16 Graduation Center students completed G2J, the most since the program began in 2010.

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Cutline: (Front row from left) Chamber President Steve Halter, students Sabastian Treaster, Tatyana Dye, Dakota Smith, Jacob Bruce, Austin Kirk, Dustin Luttrull, Aron Atkisson and Viterio Anderson, and teachers Gaelle Freer and R.T. McCain; (back row) teacher Corey Jameson, and students Carl Dailey, Joseph Stracener, Billy Plemmons, Korbin Tutor, Timothy Powell and Robert Parks. Not present were students Corey Lashley and Caleb Morrow.