The Graduates of 1997
The graduating Class of 1997 is the smallest we have seen in many years, but the two graduates have a future ahead that is full of promise. With the successes they have experienced at the Home, they know how important the help of others can be.
They also know that their own hard work is the key to reaching their goals .
Jon was always
the young man to call if you needed someone to take charge of a
project, or be responsible for using equipment and getting the job
done right.
Jon has always been hard working and industrious.
He was accepted at Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska, where he will be learning the heating and air conditioning trade. His studies began July 16.
At the Graduation Dinner on May 27, Jon, who is a reserved young man, spoke with emotion of his gratitude for the many people who had played a role in his graduation and success at the Home.
In particular, he thanked his House Parents, the Fishers. “They tried very hard to make me a new man … they did make me a new man.”
Arturo won the
Collins Sportsmanship Award three years in a row. An accomplishment
no one at the Home has ever been honored with before.
He has worked hard throughout his 5 years with us.
During his speech at the Graduation Dinner, Arturo related the story of his first visit to his mother after he had been living at the Home for several months. When it was time to leave, he told her it was time for him to go home and she replied that he was already home. Arturo said, “… to my Omaha Home, mom.”
It was a moving story of a young man who found a place to call home. A Home he knew was the best place for him to grow up.
He moved to Jacobs’ Place and worked construction for the summer. This fall he will begin classes at Metro Community College.
Good luck guys on the next leg of life’s journey!
… and a big thank you to the many donor friends who provided special gifts for the Graduates of 1997.