By Gary Sabol, Community Relations Manager
Lakewood Career Academy’s (LCA) Allison Wilks and Mackenze Ellis won awards at last month’s Jobs for Washington’s Graduates (JWG) Annual Leadership Conference at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound. Ellis was awarded the silver medal for her career portfolio and Wilks won a bronze medal for her interviewing skills. The students received certificates from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn.
“I went through a panel interview process,” said Wilks. “I feel it’s really going to help prepare me for my first job.”
JWG is a school-to-career program with a mission to keep young people in school through graduation. It was started by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in October 2011 as a chapter of the National Jobs for America’s Graduates. LCA is a career preparation high school program that provides opportunities for Clover Park School District students to learn and prepare for careers of their choice.
“The Lakewood Career Academy has really helped me get back on track,” said Ellis. “The staff really encourages the students to believe in themselves.”