Kicking Horse Job Corps graduates seven students

RONAN — Fifteen months ago Tress Big Day had made a decision to do something with his life. His choice was somewhat unconventional but not a surprise considering most young adults have three choices after high school: work, college or the armed services. It is believed that most children usually observe, learn and live the way their parents have raised them to be. For Tress that meant he would follow in his parents’ footsteps and would take the same path by choosing to take strides towards acquiring invaluable career training at Kicking Horse Job Corps Center.

Tress Big Day is a member of the Crow Tribe and of Blackfeet and Salish descent. He is the eldest son of the late Laura Old Person of Arlee and Collins Big Day of Crow Agency. He graduated from Kicking Horse with a certificate in Office Administration on September 30. Tress also received his government license and earned his Class A CDL through the Salish Kootenai College Truck Driving Program. While a student at Kicking Horse Job Corps Tress held leadership roles in the dormitory as Room Leader, Section Leader, and Dorm Leader. With his certificates and licenses through KHJCC and SKC, he plans to seek employment.

Jasmille Gilpin, 21, graduated from KHJCC with a certificate in Culinary Arts after 14 months at the center. She is the daughter of Patricia Rush of Topeka, Kansas and Benjamin Walton of Colorado Springs, Colorado. While a student at Kicking Horse she also held leadership roles. Jasmille plans to join the military as soon as possible.

Sam Murphy, 25, is one of Tina Hollm’s (of Dillon) two daughters currently attending Kicking Horse. She not only earned her High School Diploma, she graduated from KHJCC with certificates in CNA, CCMA, and CPT all within 16 months. She also received her driver’s license.

While a student at Kicking Horse Sam also held leadership positions in the dormitory and served as a Vocational Aide in Medical Assistance vocation helping to train New Students in the vocation. Sam plans to remain in the Dillon area and plans on attending Montana Tech to get her BSN.

Kaylee Hollm, 17, Hollm of Dillon’s other daughter and Harvey Hollm of Bristol, CT, graduated from KHJCC with a certificate in Facilities Maintenance. Kaylee completed her training program in 17 months. Kaylee received her driver’s license, her G.E.D. and High School Diploma while at KHJCC. While a student at Kicking Horse, Kaylee held leadership positions in the dormitory and served as a Vocational Aid in Facilities Maintenance helping to train new students in the vocations. She served as a Dorm Representative for Student Government. Kaylee plans on going back to Dillon to attend college and to work as a Master Electrician.

Tara Coleman, 22, is the daughter of Doris and Charles Coleman of Bloomfield, Colorado. Tara graduated from Kicking Horse with certificates in the Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant programs. Tara completed the both training programs in 16 months. She earned her GED and High School Diploma while at KHJCC. While a student Tara held leadership positions in the dormitory and served as a Vocational Aide in the Medical vocation. Tara plans to live and work in Colorado and attend Community College to attain her RN degree.

LaDoya Valikoula, 20, is the daughter of Lesieli Maumau and Fisilau Valikoula from the Islands of Tonga. LaDoya graduated from KHJCC with a certificate in Office Administration and completed the training program in 11 months. While a student at KHJCC, LaDoya held many leadership positions.

After Kicking Horse LaDoya will be attending Advanced Training at the San Jose, California Job Corp Center where she plans to be an Airline TSA screener.

Felicia McLean, 21, is the daughter of Tina Lane of Oklahoma and George McLean of Manzanola, Colorado. McLean graduated from Kicking Horse with certificate in Office Administration by completing the training program in seven months.

Felicia plans on going back to Colorado to work and to attend College.

Kicking Horse 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 age 16-24. Vocations offered include Heavy Equipment Operation, Medical Assistance, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Dental Assistance, Diesel Mechanics, Facilities Maintenance, and Office Administration. For more information on Kicking Horse Job Corps Center, please contact your local One-Stop or Workforce Development Center or Lance Friedlander at (800) 234-5705.