Summer Youth Awards Banquet held in District 5

Roberto A. Jackson

Communications & Public Affairs Office

Nearly 100 youth found a cure for the “summertime blues,” this year by gaining valuable workforce experience in the Gila River Indian Community. To acknowledge the 97 youth in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, the Employment & Training Department held its annual Summer Youth Awards Banquet on July 12 at the District 5 Multipurpose Building.

Employment & Training Director Lana Chanda welcomed the youth and their guests, recapping a successful year for the award recipients. Chanda also recognized the E&T staff who assisted the youth and the programs.

Lt. Gov. Regina Antone attended the banquet with District 1 Council Representative Duane Jackson, Jr., and District 3 Community Council Representative Joseph Manuel Jr.

Lt. Gov. Antone shared her work experience with the youth and her support for WIOA.

“I truly believe in WIOA to open our eyes to anything,” she said regarding the career paths available for the youth.

Council Representative Manuel also expressed his gratitude and encouraged the youth to continue making positive choices in the future.

“Still continue to make those choices day in and day out to be a better person not only for yourself but for your community,” said Manuel.

Dr. Darius Jackson, who recently earned a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (PT) from Midwestern University, also gave a motivational speech to the youth.

Jackson emphasized hard work and education in his words of encouragement to the youth. He also gave career advice to each student as they join the workforce.

Youth have several options for summer employment, such as public safety or the medical field, in the WIOA program. The members of the Cadet Program and members of the Summer Scrubs Program presented at the banquet. Each highlighted the advantages of gaining early experience in competitive fields and the opportunities they received during the summer at WIOA. GRIC public safety departments coordinated with WIOA to offer fundamental lessons and training to cadets. The cadets learned from members of the Gila River Police Department, Gila River Fire Department, and Gila River EMS during the summer.

The Film 101 program continued teaching filmmaking fundamentals for students interested in media this summer and also premiered their student film at the banquet.

The agenda concluded with awards for youth staff and participants.