Five Capitol Classroom Youth traveled to the Washington State Capitol to testify in both the Senate and House on a bill they have been working hard to get passed into law. The youth took a tour around the Capitol building and conducted themselves like gentlemen and scholars. There was significant support shared for this legislation, along with inspirational testimonies before lawmakers. The words of the youth testifying were filled with honesty, transparency, passion, wisdom, and hope. This was a positive day that was filled with purpose.

This was a day to remember for our youth along their journey toward achieving Capitol Classroom goals. Links to their Senate testimony: https://tvw.org/video/senate-human-services-2024011255/    

Link to their House testimony: https://tvw.org/video/house-community-safety-justice-reentry-2024011299/

Staff Voice: Haley Lowe

In a momentous event on Dec. 6, Centralia Community College celebrated the graduation of seven scholars, all first-generation college students, earning their associate of arts degrees. The auditorium was filled with families, educators, and supporters, exuding a palpable sense of hope and accomplishment.

Rashad Norris delivered an inspiring commencement speech, echoing the determination and resilience mirrored in the graduates' journeys. Alongside, three residents shared heartfelt stories, emphasizing the family's pivotal role in their educational pursuits. They expressed profound gratitude for both the staff's unwavering support and the unwavering encouragement from their families throughout their academic paths.

This ceremony served as a testament to the dedication and the belief in education's transformative power. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of accomplishment, highlighting the significance of this achievement for the graduates and their families.

Quoting Nelson Mandela, "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." For these first-generation college students, education serves as a beacon of hope, a gateway to new opportunities, and a catalyst for personal and societal change.

Acknowledging the pioneering journey of these graduates as first-generation college students is crucial. Their achievement not only marks personal success but also breaks barriers, inspiring future generations and showcasing the transformative nature of education.

Please join us in congratulating the Centralia Community College graduates! May their educational journey continue to empower them and may the support of their families remind them of the significance of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of education.

Staff Voice: Stephanie Ewing

Four young people from the Echo Glen Children’s Center were selected as recipients of the 2023 Performance-based Standards Employment Matching Award in early September. The PbS Employment Matching Award was created in 2017 to promote a positive work ethic in young people and encourage juvenile justice leaders to create opportunities for young people to gain meaningful work experience before they are released. The PbS Employment Matching Award is designed to help young people experience success working and move another step closer to a meaningful and sustainable career. To compete for this award, each applicant submitted an essay answering questions about their desired careers, why they wish to serve in that field, steps they will take to achieve their goals, and how their current work connects to their future career goals. Applicants also had to obtain and submit a staff recommendation for their application package. Kaelynn Leick, a Staff Member from Yakima Cottage, was a key element in making this possible. Kaelynn saw an e-mail about the program and thought it would be a great opportunity for the Yakima residents who were employed on campus. A special thanks to Kaelynn for her initiative in making this possible and for supporting each applicant with a letter of recommendation. Each award-winner expressed their appreciation for the award. Please see their comments below.

“This extra money is a great to help me support myself in a healthy way.” -Maryanne

“This is really cool. I appreciate this recognition; it encourages me to push harder.” -Sunshine

“This is more money to go towards my future outside of incarceration.” -Alexis

“Thank you for the money, I will use this money to help support my son.” – Lola

Thanks, on behalf of these award winners, DCYF, and Echo Glen Children’s Center, to PbS for providing these great opportunities for our young people to strive for!

Under the grand dome of Benaroya Hall in Seattle on Nov. 17. our spirited group from the Woodinville Community School, alongside our dedicated staff, had an unforgettable experience at the Seattle Symphony's Nordic Passion matinee. Sarah, our After Care Liaison, and Jeff, a Counselor, were among the staff present, adding to the excitement of the day.

Isaiah, one of our students, described the event as something truly unique: "I'd never seen something like that before. The environment of calmness was different, and it made me feel calm too." His impressions resonated with many others in our group, highlighting the serene yet exhilarating atmosphere the symphony created.

Led by the brilliant maestro Dalia Stasevska, the orchestra took us on a musical journey through the heartlands of Scotland and Finland. Lauri Porra's mastery of the electric bass in 'Entropia Concerto' particularly stood out, defying convention and adding an electrifying thrill to the symphonic tapestry.

The performance was more than just an orchestral masterpiece; it was an electric experience, captivating us with compositions described as "pure maximalist mayhem." We reveled in the glorious chaos of musical genius, fostering a deep appreciation for the diverse and immersive musical landscape.

This event marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between our school and the facility, promising a series of captivating performances throughout the school year. As we eagerly await our next rendezvous with the symphony, anticipation brims for Mozart's timeless compositions to grace our eager ears!