On Wednesday, November 6, Elevate Branson celebrated the 51st graduating class of the Elevate Work program, with families, friends and community supporters gathering for the ceremony.
Instructor and local businessman Doug Lay opened with prayer. He then introduced Elevate Work director Donna McConkey for a special presentation to Mrs. Theresa Mustard in honor of Jack Mustard, who passed away last August. The Mustards have served as dedicated volunteer mentors, known as “Grandpa and Grandpa” to many of the students. Jack Mustard was also a veteran, popular Silver Dollar City character employee, and an entertainer who enjoyed local jam sessions. Theresa plans to honor her husband’s memory by continuing her involvement at Elevate Branson. (See related story.)
McConkey thanked Class No. 51 sponsors Brian Pendergrass, Dee Bopp, Sue Gordy and Doug Lay Properties. Sponsors are just a few of the people who help make the program a success, along with Elevate support staff, Kids’ Director Cathy Brown and computer class instructors Jerry Sanderson and Drew Lindsey.
Following a slide show of Class 51 highlights, Lay gave a brief history of the work program, which started in 2013 as Jobs for Life and was adapted to address the unique needs of the Branson area. Students attend class twice weekly for nine weeks, where they learn valuable skills based on the biblical stories of Joseph, David, Jonah and Ruth. They prepare a resumé and practice introducing themselves in a “60-second commercial,” along with mock interviews. One class session features a panel of local business owners and professionals who share their own stories which often involve humble beginnings and perseverance.
Featured speaker for the graduation was Jeramie Worley, founder of Worley Real Estate Network specializing in short-term rental investments. Using a visual object lesson of the ease of tearing a single page vs. tearing an entire book, he emphasized the importance of building a good reputation, one page or faithful act at a time, and avoiding things that might destroy that reputation. Sharing his own journey from “broke newcomer” to being a respected expert in the Branson community, Worley encouraged graduates to decide on a goal and pursue it, but also to be patient and trust God’s timing. He also advised staying in fellowship with an encouraging community, such as fellow graduates and supportive staff at Elevate Branson.
Following Worley’s remarks, Cathy Brown introduced Isaiah, age four, who completed the Elevate Kids program. Kids learn social and practical skills concurrent with the adult lessons and tailored to the child’s age level, and receive their own special certificate.
Lay and McConkey then invited each graduate and his or her mentor to the stage to share briefly. Each then received their certificate and folder containing their resumé and other resources for continuing toward their employment goals.
Graduates of Class 51 included the following students:
Andrea Denney
Dennis Hodges
Sherry Hodges
Jeremy Klein
Chad Seidberg
Matthew Shanta
Ross Shaylitsa
Grace Speace
Ashlyn Tanner
Child: Isaiah Hodges
Hearing graduates’ and mentors’ comments is always a highlight, showing the value of community and encouragement in addition to learning skills. “The wonderful Christians here have such a good spirit,” shared Andrea. Dennis agreed, saying, “I’m here because of the doors God has opened.” “I appreciate being treated like family,” shared another student.
Mentors were equally complimentary, with many saying they have become good friends and look forward to keeping in touch. “He has a servant heart and is going to do whatever God leads him to do,” shared one mentor. Mentor Ann complimented her student, Ashlyn, for successfully juggling the details of classwork while preparing to enter college to study nursing this spring. Mentors are a big key to the success of the Elevate Work program; reach out to Donna McConkey via the Elevate Branson website if you would enjoy encouraging a student through mentorship.
Following the ceremony, graduates, families and friends enjoyed delicious cake while sharing mutual congratulations and future plans.
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