Students who completed the Union Career Connect intern program this year were recognized Thursday afternoon, May 12, during its annual awards ceremony at the Union Collegiate Academy.
The City of Tulsa and Union business partners who shepherded students in various work locales this past year recognized the interns with certificates and fun awards. A few may even have jobs waiting for them after graduation.
Senior Angel Mendoza won the coveted Learning with a Wrench Award of Excellence, receiving a large adjustable Crescent wrench. He received the honor from Gary Burr, shop supervisor for the City of Tulsa and the Learning with a Wrench intern program, a partnership between the city of Tulsa and Union Public Schools.
Many of the mechanics from the City of Tulsa, including two Union graduates, also attended the event to watch the awards, after being away for the last few years due to Covid-19.
The Union Career Connect program, which started as part of that initial partnership between the city of Tulsa and Union, honored student interns ranging from mechanics to future educators to culinary students.
Rue Ramsey, vice president of Workforce and Economic Development for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce, served as a guest speaker, who talked about the importance of the labor force, commending the adults in the room for making the intern program possible. She lauded students for participating, reminding them of the importance to bring forward their talents to help the community. She reminded them of the importance to network and getting to know the adults in their career fields, which only helps their ability to find good careers.
Superintendent Dr. Kirt Hartzler also commended the students and thanked the partners and community leaders for working with students. Career Connect Advisor LaQuisha Jackson also singled out a number of students and industry partners for praise, as she talked about how students can participate in the program to see if a career is right for them before they graduate high school.
Representatives from each industry in the Union Career Connect program then recognized students for their work this past year, representing the City of Tulsa Automotive, Mayor Bynum’s office, early childhood education, future educators, construction, culinary arts, law enforcement, technology, CNA Pilot Program, and CPT Manufacturing.
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