New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) hosted graduation on June 27 at Monsignor William J. Linder Plaza, 233 West Market St., Newark. Students who completed the Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, High School Equivalency, Medical Assistant Clinical and Patient Care Technician programs were honored during the ceremony.
New Community Interim Board Chairman Edgar Nemorin welcomed graduates and thanked them for trusting NCCTI to provide their education.
“I admire your strength, perseverance and will in getting through this technical school year and mastering your craft,” he said.
New Community CEO Simone Gagneron reminded graduates that their journey doesn’t end with obtaining their certificates and that they are always welcome back to the organization, especially since they have made friends and family during the course of their studies. She also encouraged them to continue on the trajectory of making positive choices.
“You said yes to advancing your career. You said yes to making a difference in your lives and making a difference in the lives of your family and making a difference in the lives of your community,” she said. “And everything else from here on out is a yes. No one can tell you no.”
Newark West Ward Councilman Dupré Kelly served as the keynote speaker and told graduates to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination.
“This achievement is just a testament to the fact that a dream, no matter how big, can be realized with dedication and determination. Today we don’t just celebrate your academic milestones and your technical milestones. We honor your resilience. Each of you have faced distinct challenges,” he said. “Yet you are still here and ready to take on the world.”
Kelly also reminded graduates that they are the reason for their success and that success isn’t defined by the type of work that they do. He said success has more to do with the impact you make on those around you.
“I’m excited to see how you bring your skills and passion to not only Newark, N.J., but to the world,” he said.
Two graduates spoke to their peers and supporters during the ceremony. Simone Parkes, who completed the Medical Assistant Clinical program, quit a full-time job to become a student and also married, became a stepmom and became a mom to an infant. She juggled her family responsibilities with studying and is grateful for her family’s support and to NCCTI for helping her excel. She currently works in a pediatric office and draws on the knowledge she learned from the program when speaking with patients and their parents during appointments.
“I’m beyond proud of our accomplishments. You never know how much impact you have on others. You’re amazing,” she said. “Continue pouring that positive energy into other people.”
Automotive Technician graduate Shareif Gilmer spoke about the challenges of growing up without a mother or a father. After finishing high school, he obtained a CDL license to support his family and decided to enroll in NCCTI to further his career. His current role has him maintaining medical transportation vehicles.
“It has been a race worth finishing. I have had the pleasure of meeting people from all walks of life, which is the reason for encouraging all of you to be the best you can be,” he said. “I encourage you all to continue paving the many ways to your success.”
NCCTI Career Services Coordinator Chanda Webb presented employer partners University Hospital and Newark Community Health Centers Inc. with awards for their ongoing support, providing students with tours and information and for hiring graduates.
University Hospital Manager of Recruitment Patient Care Services Claudia Alves said the relationship is changing lives, shaping the community and shows what is possible when organizations come together with a common goal.
“By partnering with NCC, University Hospital is helping to create a direct bridge between education and employment,” she said. “The program doesn’t just train workers. It builds careers, strengthens families and uplifts the entire neighborhood.”
Newark Community Health Centers Inc. Human Resources Recruiter Kobie Brown said his company has hired more than 28 NCCTI graduates from both medical programs and looks forward to welcoming even more in the future.
“It’s a pleasure for us to be here to serve our community and help see you guys grow as individuals,” he said.