Local students graduate from Kicking Horse Job Corps

RONAN — If you could wave a magic wand in front of students and help them realize their goals that would be outstanding. But life isn’t always that easy, and sometimes that magic wand comes in the form of instructors, training certificates, and degrees - all at their fingertips while a student at Kicking Horse Job Corps.

May’s graduating class at Kicking Horse Job Corps Center was one of the biggest and one that has the potential of being their strongest promising group to attend advanced training, seeking employment or advancing their college education.

Alyssa Heator graduated from Kicking Horse Job Corps on May 27 with a certificate in the Certified Nursing Assistant program. She completed the program in nine months. She plans to seek employment back home and attend college in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Trisha Ramone came to KHJC almost two years ago. She also graduated with her certificate in the Certified Nursing Assistant program and earned her GED in just 20 months. She is currently working as a C.N.A. and plans to reside in Missoula where she can attend the UM College of Technology to become a Pharmacist Technician.

Jennifer M. Scott came to KHJC and graduated with a certificate in the Certified Nursing Assistant program and earned her GED in 27 months. She plans to continue her education at the Denver School of Nursing for her RN.

Chartanae Puller, “Nae-Nae” as she often called on-center, did double-duty at Kicking Horse. She earned both her GED and her High School Diploma. She completed training in two vocations/careers - one in Business Technologies and her certificate in the Certified Nursing Assistant program, all in 14 months. While attending Kicking Horse she held many leadership positions in the dorm and in student government. Nae-Nae plans to return home to live life and further her education.

Amanda Horne graduated with her certificate in the Certified Nursing Assistant program in just nine months. She came here from the Atlantic Coast and plans to return home and work in Delaware.

Michael Bird In Ground got two birds with one stone - so to speak. He earned his GED and he also completed his training in 10 months and earned his certificate in Carpentry. He plans to seek employment back at Crow Agency.

Elmo native, Lee Hewankorn, chose to live on-center the seven months it took to earn his certificate in Carpentry. Hewankorn plans to seek employment here and is considering joining the armed services.

Deana Spotted Eagle, another Montana native, graduated from KH with her certificate as a Heavy Equipment Operator. In 16 months, Deana also received both her government and commercial driver’s licenses through the Salish Kootenai College Highway Construction program. She is also OSHA forklift certified. She plans to return home and work for the Northern Cheyenne BIA Forestry program.

Franell Yazzie graduated with a certificate in Culinary Arts. She completed the training program in 21 months. While a student at Kicking Horse, Franell held several leadership positions in the dormitory and served as a vocational aide in Culinary Arts helping to train new students in the culinary vocation. She served as secretary and dorm representative as part of student government. Franell plans to go back home to Cortez, Colorado and seek employment.

Brian Gilmer graduated with a certificate in Building and Maintenance. Brian completed the training program in eight months. While a student at Kicking Horse, Brian also served as a vocational aide in BAM, helping to train new students in Building and Maintenance and also served on the safety committee and as a safety officer. Brian plans to seek employment in Denver, CO.

Dustin Flores graduated from Kicking Horse Job Corps with a certificate in Business and Finance. Dustin completed the program in 13 months. He plans to seek employment in Sells, AZ.

Jamie Dickson, a 2003 Ronan High School graduate, graduated from KHJC and Salish Kootenai College with her certificates in Dental Technology, Office Professions and an Associates degree in Dental Technology. Jamie plans to finish her pre-requisites at Salish Kootenai College and transferring to the University of Washington Dental School and when she becomes a dentist, she would like to return to the Flathead Reservation and provide dental health.

Ryan Yellow Horse graduated with a certificate in Heavy Equipment Operator. Ryan also received his government license and his commercial driver’s license through the Salish Kootenai College Highway Construction program. He is also OSHA forklift certified. While a student at Kicking Horse, Ryan held three leadership positions in the dormitory and served as vocational aide in HEO, helping to train new students in the HEO vocation. Ryan plans to live in Missoula and is currently working for MA D’Atley Construction on the Highway 93 project.

Tyler Jones graduated from KHJC with certificates in Advanced Carpentry and Diesel Mechanics. Tyler also received both his government and Class A commercial driver’s licenses through the Salish Kootenai College Highway Construction Program. He also earned his GED while at KH. While a student at Kicking Horse Tyler served as bay leader, section chief, dorm chief, disciplinary action officer, safety officer and dorm representative as part of student government. He plans to move to Nome, Alaska and drive truck.

Kicking Horse Job Corps is a Department of Labor residential program, operated by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 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 Advanced Carpentry, other vocations offered at KHJC include the Certified Nursing Assistant training, Business Technologies, Carpentry, Dental Assistant, Diesel Mechanics, Facilities Maintenance, Heavy Equipment Operation, and Certified Medical Assistant.

For more information on Job Corps, contact your local One-Stop or Workforce Development Center.