Gaitan Receives Governorβs NCWorks Award
Morehead City, N.C. (July 21, 2021) β 91ΧΤΕΔ graduate Makayla Gaitan is the recipient of the 2021 Governorβs NC Works Award of Distinction in the category of Outstanding Young Adult. The award recognizes young adults who have been involved in a publicly funded NC workforce service or program and have demonstrated exceptional achievement to attain career-related goals. Gaitan participated in the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth program and is the first 91ΧΤΕΔ CC student to receive the award.
βThe WIOA program and the NCWorks staff are extremely proud of Makayla’s accomplishment,β said WIOA Youth Program Coordinator Merianne Grigoriciuc. βShe has demonstrated academic, personal and professional perseverance throughout her time in the WIOA program and has exemplified professionalism, empathy and quality customer service in each of her work experiences and internships.Β Makayla’s dedication to help others and serve her community are the qualities that make her deserving of the Governor’s NCWorks Award of Distinction.β
After receiving her high school diploma through the 91ΧΤΕΔ Adult High School, Gaitan pursued her college degree and entered the Human Services Technology program at 91ΧΤΕΔ CC, during which she worked as a WIOA student worker as the Collegeβs Retention and Counseling Services Assistant. βI owe a lot to 91ΧΤΕΔ and the WIOA program,β said Gaitan. βTo be recognized for doing my job and pursuing my passion of helping others is such a great feeling. I know I am on the right career path and to have that recognized gives me indescribable joy.β
In May 2021, Gaitan graduated with her Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Human Services Technology from 91ΧΤΕΔ and is now pursing her bachelorβs degree at Lees-McRae College. She hopes to pursue her masterβs and possibly her doctorate. βI am continuing to work with and for people while preparing for a future career as a therapist,β said Gaitan. βBut no matter what, as long as I am able to help others, I will be happy.β
As the 2021 Outstanding Young Adult, Gaitan will be recognized at the September 16th Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board meeting and annual banquet. Students interested in the WIOA program should contact program coordinator Merianne Grigoriciuc at 252.222.6038.
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