The Inter-Mountain photos by Brad Johnson From left, YouthBuild Education Coordinator Teresa Weiford and YouthBuild 2023 graduates Adam Madison, Shelby Kerr, Destiny Breton and Jayden Beard take part in Thursday’s ceremony honoring 13 graduates of the program.

ELKINS — The educational journey completed by 13 young adults was celebrated Thursday during the 2023 graduation of the YouthBuild of North Central West Virginia program.

Officials, family and friends gathered at the Phil Gainer Community Center to celebrate the accomplishments of the students and wish them well as they embarked on the next chapter of their lives.

Graham Godwin, executive director of the Randolph County Housing Authority — which has sponsored YouthBuild for more than 20 years — greeted those attending the ceremony.

“Our YouthBuild program was funded and started in 1995,” Godwin said. “Each year this program serves approximately 30 to 45 participants ages 16 to 24.”

“You all should really take ownership and feel pride in what you’ve accomplished,” Godwin said to the graduates. “I want to congratulate all of you and I really hope that you enjoy this day and take pride in this moment.”

Elkins Mayor Jerry Marco told the graduates, “When I think about this class, I’m so impressed by your dedication and your ability to overcome challenges to achieve your goals. I feel this has better prepared you to achieve anything that you want in life. And no matter what life throws at you in the future, you are prepared to adapt and overcome.”

The graduating class includes Jayden Beard, Destiny Breton, Khole Howell, Shelby Kerr, Adam Madison, Chris Ross, Brooklyn Simmons, Lily Spiegle, Celeste Straight, YouthBuild Honors Graduate Isabella Tacy, Levi Tacy, Ryan Welch and Tristan Wilson.

YouthBuild Education Coordinator Teresa Weiford was the emcee for the graduation ceremony.

The YouthBuild program strives to give young adults the tools to get a good job and keep it. YouthBuild attempts to strengthen the educational backgrounds of young adults, teach marketable skills and entrepreneurship and instill leadership values that relate to home, work and community in order to assist young adults with becoming responsible members of the community.

The work YouthBuild participants complete also is reinforced with classroom instruction, job shadowing and personal guidance. Out-of-school youth ages 16 to 24 are eligible to apply. The program typically lasts between six to 10 months.

For more information about the YouthBuild program, call 304-637-9008.