NJYC Celebrates Graduates!
Hard work at a second-chance yields success for 10 Graduates in Inspiring Ceremony
Phillipsburg, NJ – The NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg proudly celebrated the achievements of 10 graduates during a heartfelt ceremony held at the Phillipsburg Housing Authority Community Room on Monday, February 24, 2025. The event honored the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of Corpsmembers who successfully completed the program and obtained their diplomas - equipping themselves with valuable skills for their future.
Graduates toss their caps in the air!
The ceremony brought together graduates, their families, community leaders, and program staff to recognize the accomplishments of these young individuals who have overcome personal and academic challenges to reach this milestone.
“When you consider the barriers these young adults have faced in thier personal lives, the fact they are here celebrating this watershed moment in their young lives is nothing short of miraculous.” said Michael Muckle, Director of NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg. “These young adults have shown resilience and determination, and we are excited to see them take the next steps toward a bright future.”
“Each and every one of these students had faith in themselves. That’s why they’re sitting here today.”
Chris Mugavero, Transitions Coordinator for the NJYC Program addressing the audience stated “I’ve been with the organization for a little over 12 years now, .…I’ve seen one consistent theme with successful corps members and that is, They believed in themselves wholeheartedly, and when things got overwhelming or difficult, they never gave up, or threw in the towel. Faith is a strong word, and it’s sometimes difficult to maintain, but each and every one of these students had faith in themselves. That’s why they’re sitting here today.”
During the ceremony, graduates were also recognized for their contributions to community service projects, job readiness initiatives, and personal development. Many of the graduates have already secured employment, one enrolled in classes at Warren County Community College, and one even enlisted in the United States Army -reporting for basic training on March 24th, 2025.
“‘It allowed us the hands-on experience to better prepare us for the future and open us up to trying new things.” ”
Class Valedictorian, Westley Hutchison (himself a volunteer for the Phillipsburg Fire Department) addressed graduates and expressed a collective gratitude for the support he and his fellow graduates received through the program. “Before I came to the program, I was unaware of the things that went into trail preservation, I didn’t know how to change a tire, I didn’t know how to kayak. But now I do, and it’s thanks to the staff for allowing us to do the things we may or may not have done before. It allowed us the hands-on experience to better prepare us for the future and open us up to trying new things.”
The NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg remains committed to empowering young adults through education, service, and career development. Applications for upcoming cohorts are being accepted, and a new cohort is is slated to begin on Monday March 3rd, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out for more information.
For media inquiries or more information about NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg, please contact:
Michael Muckle, Director
NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg
908-859-2969
info@njycphillipsburg.com
www.njycphillipsburg.com
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The New Jersey Youth Corps program is funded in large part with a grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development. All NJ Youth Corps programs are members of The Corps Network - an association of over 150 service and conservation corps organizations across the United States.