‘It’s about hope!’: L.O.G.I.C. students express thanks for a new start
April 28, 2023
Congratulations to the Food Bank of Delaware’s Class of 2023 L.O.G.I.C. class!
During graduation ceremonies Wednesday morning at the Food Bank’s Newark location, 10 class members received certificates officially certifying them as logistic technicians. They are Jimmie Brown, Lorne Davis, Sr., Jose Del Rio, Jahmere Irvin, Isaiah Hawkins, Maurice Hopkins, Buddy Hunley, Joseph Kelly, Dean Martin, and Lorraine Padgett. Three students, Nicholas Boyce, Ellis Nixon, and Christopher Travis completed the training program but were unable to attend.
As Cathy Kanefsky, our President and CEO, said “Graduation if one of our most favorite days.” In addition to the smiles, congratulations, and sense of accomplishment, there are always some folks – including our staff – brushing away tears. And there’s gratitude: after receiving a certificate of completion, each graduate has an opportunity to step up to the microphone. Each one says thank you! They are thankful for the opportunity, thankful for a fresh start, thankful for the Food Bank staff support, thankful to family and friends., thankful to be entering the workplace to doing something they enjoy.
Their comments are living illustrations of Kanefsky’s words: “This is not about food; it’s about hope. We say ‘Food for today; food for tomorrow. These programs align with our core values,” she said.
Keynote speaker John Gooden, President and Chief Operating Officer at M. Davis & Sons, was no stranger to this class. He shared his professional expertise in human resources, safety, and project management, during their training. He encouraged them to keep on striving as they enter the workplace. “Hard work is the key to success,” he said. “In life, you can’t say ‘I can coast now.’ What’s next? Set new goals. Work hard toward that next goal. Don’t let up.”
He told the new graduates they can expect to face distractions and obstacles. “Sometimes life is hard for know reason at all,” he said, quoting from one of his favorite movies, “Remember the Titans.” He urged them to continue the hard work they’ve demonstrated they are capable of doing.
Food Bank staff: Anna McDermott, Sr. Director of Workforce and Community Development and Sheliah Smith, Workforce Training Programs Director, also spoke to the class and those attending the ceremonies.
L.O.G.I.C. (Logistics, Operations, General Warehousing and Inventory Control) is a 14-week training program, certified as a trade school by the Delaware Department of Education; students are prepared for careers in the warehousing/logistics industry. Students learn to use major equipment like end riders, lift trucks, order pickers and pallet jacks.
Click here to enroll or to learn more.
