Dynamic duo graduate from Kicking Horse Job Corps

L to R: Justin Smith and Omar Little Whiteman stand on the ledge ready to leap into the mainstream following their successful completion at Kicking Horse Job Corps Center. (Kim Swaney photo)

RONAN - There's an old saying that dynamite comes in small packages and February's graduation at Kicking Horse Job Corps may have been small but there was a dynamic duo and an explosive number of GED recipients.

Two heavy equipment students Omar Little Whiteman and Justin Smith, completed three trades and racked up approximately three years worth of work experience at Kicking Horse before returning home for employment. The duo both earned their Commercial Driver's License through the Salish Kootenai College's Truck Driving Program and they also received certifications in Fork Lift, Flagman, and First Aid/CPR.

"It's good news and bad news to see them graduate," says Kicking Horse's senior counselor Cathi Dupuis during her commencement address. "The good news is they've accomplished their goals and the bad news is we're - and they're - losing good friends and it takes away some of the leadership out of the center," Dupuis said. But others will fill their shoes and take one step closer to achieving their goals.

Omar Little Whiteman is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and is the son of David and Lanita Little Whiteman of Lame Deer. He graduated from KHJCC with a certificate in Heavy Equipment on February 27. He completed the training program in 12 months. Part of being a leader at KHJCC requires students to serve in numerous roles. Omar served as a Vocational Aide for HEO, Room Leader, Section Chief and Dorm Chief in the dormitory. Omar also served as Vice President and Sergeant of Arms with the Student Government. He plans on joining the Montana Operator's Union and working in Montana.

Justin Smith, the son of Kathy Crawford, graduated from Kicking Horse Job Corps Center with a certificate in Heavy Equipment and Data Entry Clerk in Business Technology. He completed the training programs in 24 months. Justin also earned his GED while attending Kicking Horse Job Corps. While a student at Kicking Horse, he completed six leadership positions in the dormitory and on campus. Justin plans to drive for the Coca-Cola Company in Colorado.

Besides the two gentlemen who attained their goals, Kicking Horse awarded the largest number of GEDs to date. "There's no shortcuts for those students - they spent a tremendous amount of time and they never gave up," boasts Lyle Cronk the GED instructor.

Sweet 16: KHJC's largest number of GED recipients whooped and hollered upon reaching one of their goals. Pictured in the Back row (L to R): Ethan Sitting Eagle, Maverick Richardson, Hajime Jones, Rebecca White, Levy Crespin, Tylor Jones, Karlie Ormseth, Frances Torrez, Robert Thom, Rejeannee Begay. Front Row (L to R): J'Micah Howe, Ryan Weddell, Lucas Lovato, Candace St. Goddard. Not Pictured: Alicia Clairmont-Perez, Rachel Shore. (Kim Swaney photo)

Cronk joined the faculty in August of 2007 and said it was exciting to see them [students] overcome obstacles and to see them believe in themselves. "It's a real boost of confidence," he added.

Candace St. Goddard of Browning thought it was cool and at least she had something to show for since she's been here. For most of the GED recipients like Rejeannee Begay and Karlie Ormseth, it felt good; and for Levy Crespin of Denver - it was one goal taken care of.

Kicking Horse Job Corps Center is a Department of Labor residential program, operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Indian Reservation in western Montana. It has been in existence for over 40 years offering vocational training as well as a GED and high school diploma program. The program is free to economically disadvantaged students ages 16-24. In addition to Certified Nursing Assistant training, other vocations offered at Kicking Horse include Business Technologies, Carpentry, Dental Assistant, Diesel Mechanics, Facilities Maintenance, Forestry, Heavy Equipment Operation, Certified Medical Assistant, Culinary Arts, and Pre-Apprentice Painting. For more information on Job Corps, contact your local One-Stop or Workforce Development Center.