Career Direction $1,500 Educational Fund Cash Award Contest Winners Named!

Career Training Concepts, Inc. and the Army National Guard are pleased to announce the winners of the $1,500 Career Direction Cash Award Essay Contest.

Students in AR, FL, KY, NC, and SC, who were in 11th or 12th grade, and who had attended a Career Direction class were eligible to enter by submitting an essay entitled How the National Guard Serves My Country, My State, and My Community.

Outstanding Young Award Winners

Meredith Welch

Johnsonville High School, Johnsonville, SC

From Meredith's essay: "The personal sacrifices made by our citizen-soldiers are a reflection of their commitment to making our world a safer, more noble place in which to live. They are willing to volunteer their time, energy, and efforts for others because they believe the adage that whatever they send into the lives of others comes back into their own."

Meredith says the Career Direction workshop introduced her to career skills, such as interviewing techniques, writing resumes, completing job applications, and personality profiling. It also introduced her to various types of careers and the requirements, benefits, and salaries for each.

After graduation, Meredith plans to attend a four year college and pursue a degree in nursing.

Diane Prosser, counselor at Johnsonville High, describes Meredith as an outstanding citizen, very active in the community and her church. She participates in track, basketball, volleyball and the Beta Club. She was chosen by the faculty as a Hall of Fame Recipient, was given the DAR award, and is class Valedictorian.

SFC Timmy Tanner, SC National Guard Representative, presented a $1,500 check to Meredith Welch during the Johnsonville High School Awards Program on May 27, 2008.

Melissa Pilgrim

Liberty High School, Liberty, SC

Melissa won 2nd place for South Carolina. From Melissa's essay: "It's difficult to see the impact that the National Guard is having on the lives of people who have lived under oppressive regimes in both Iraq and Afghanistan. The media does not tell us about the good things that are happening in those countries, such as clean running water, and children going to school, better health care, and better security."

Melissa said the Career Direction workshop helped her understand the factors of choosing the right career and the important role education plays in the overall achievement of success. After graduation, she plans to attend cosmetology school.

Melissa is known to be an outstanding citizen. She is a hard worker and has a heart and a ready hand for those who are in need of help.

SFC Chris Driggers, SC National Guard Representative, and Scott Suddeth, Career Training Concepts Education Liaison, presented a $500 check to Melissa at the Liberty High School Senior Awards Program on May 14, 2008.

Josh York

The Learning Opportunity Center, Franklin, KY

Key portions in Josh's essay said, "Army National Guard member are ordinary people. They come from every walk of life and from every part of the country. National Guard members train to be ready to serve whenever their country or community needs them ... they are driven by love of their country community, and their commitment to all Americans ... They put their lives on the line to defend the ideal of freedom and help to protect those who cannot protect themselves because they know America is counting on them."

Josh says the Career Direction workshop helped him focus on his future. After graduation, Josh plans to attend Bowling Green Tech.

Mr. Satterly, Josh's school counselor, said, "Josh is a bright young man. He is a great leader in our school, and we are very proud of him for this accomplishment."

SFC Daren Bowen, Kentucky National Guard Representative, presented a $1,500 check to Josh York during The Learning Opportunity Center Awards Program on May 21, 2008.

Michael Andrews

Lake Howell High School, Winter Park, FL

A key portion in Michael's essay said, "Not only can the President have a say in what the National Guard does, but states do too ... The National Guard can be quickly deployed where need be to serve the states that need it most. ... The National Guard is ready to go wherever the emergency takes them."

Michael says the Career Direction workshop helped him learn about the costs associated with college and ways to finance his college education. After graduation next year, Michael plans to attend college.

SSG Barbot Reyes, Florida National Guard Representative, presented a check to Michael Andrews.

Bethany Arnold

Heber Springs High School, Heber Springs, AR

A key portion in Bethany's essay said, "A hero or heroine is someone who cares more about other people than themselves and is willing to serve and offer help whatever is needed. The National Guard’s motto is 'Always Ready, Always There' ... My heroes are in the National Guard."

Bethany says the Career Direction workshop helped her learn the proper way to create a resume. She plans to attend the University of Mississippi in the fall to major in Forensics Chemistry.

Bethany's school counselor, Dana Patton, said "Bethany's character is unquestioned. She demonstrates integrity, honesty, and a spirit of helpfulness. She is a leader among the best. Bethany has exceptional ability complemented by a strong leadership ethic." Bethany maintained all A's Honor Roll for 4 years while taking Advanced Placement classes in English Literature, English Language, and Calculus. She ranks in the top 10 of her class. She is in Who's Who Among American High School Students. Bethany is very active in the school, her church, and the community. Her activities include membership in the BETA Club, Youth Against Drugs and Alcohol, Mathletes, Young Democrats, and singing in the God Pleasers Youth Choir. Bethany was a Senior High Cheerleader, Homecoming Maid in grades 9, 10, 11, 12, and Prom Duchess.

SFC Everett Stephens, Arkansas National Guard Representative, presented a $1,500 check to Bethany Arnold during the Heber Springs High School Awards Program on May 19, 2008.

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In the past 20 years, over 4 million students have explored their career and education goals through the Career Direction program. This program is sponsored by the Army National Guard whose local Representative conducts the career guidance workshop as a Guest Instructor for senior high school students. All materials are provided free of charge to the school and to the students. The Army National Guard is pleased to partner with America's local schools to help students make career choices that are well-suited to their values, personalities, and interests.

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