2013 June E-Newsletter

A message from the Executive Director

Published June 2013

Dear Friends of YATC:
 
As we close the chapter on another school year, we have a great opportunity to evaluate the successes of our students, reassess our challenges and look to the future. And the future of YATC is bright!
 
Last month we graduated our 34th Class, including the 16th female graduate in our history. With nearly 600 alumni, YATC has grown tremendously from the small, one-room school that Jim Moran began in 1984.  Thank goodness that Mr. Moran's vision was so much more than that tiny room!  Our Founder knew that with dedication, compassion and enthusiasm, YATC could make a great impact in our community -- one student at time.  I believe that we are achieving his goals every day as we work with troubled young people who didn't think anyone cared for them.
 
The graduates, staff and I are all grateful to you for believing in Jim Moran's vision.  Your support continues to change lives and make our communities better places to live and work. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
 
Sincerely,
Terry Routley

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Graduation spotlights student achievement

Published June 2013

Graduation is always a time of new beginnings, and for the 25 graduates YATC's Class of 2013, the May commencement was no exception.  These determined young people stood before their friends and family to celebrate their achievements and embark on their new lives, many leaving behind violence, drugs or crime. Each YATC graduate has a special story of challenge and triumph.  Several, however, were selected to receive special awards to acknowledge their individual efforts or to speak to the crowd on behalf of their class.

Pictured above are several of the 2013 award winners (from left):
Michael Turner and Bruce Beuchert, recipients of Best Attendance Awards;  Terry Routley, YATC executive director; Kelly Lively, recipient of the Turnabout Award for most significant life changes; and Billy Watson, recipient of the Jump Start Award for excellence in automotive knowledge, repair skills and a desire to pursue a career in the auto repair industry

In her graduation address, speaker Gabriel Stewart (right with Routley) said, "YATC means a family that truly cares, understands and wants the best for you. It teaches you what you need to know to be independent and successful."

The prestigious 2013 Jim Moran Award was presented to Doug Dunbar, an anchor of the CBS 11 news in Dallas, Texas.  Dunbar is a committed supporter, constant friend to YATC and emcee of the 
Jim Moran Classic for 16 years.  Along with his wife Camie who serves on the YATC Board of Directors, Dunbar gives generously of his time, resources and expertise to YATC in a variety of ways.  In addition to his work with YATC, Dunbar is an award-winning television journalist and dedicated father of two.  YATC is proud of our long relationship with Dunbar and salute him for his bighearted community service to YATC and many other organizations.

Unfortunately, due to work commitments, Dunbar was unable to personally attend graduation.  Thanks to collaboration with CBS4 Miami, he joined the event via direct feed.  Click here to see the moving presentation of the 2013 Jim Moran Award.

Congratulations and good luck to all members of the Class of 2013!

Spring golf tournaments attract supporters statewide

Published June 2013

Hundreds of YATC's most dedicated friends and supporters from across the state picked up their clubs in April and hit the links to raise more than $235,000 for the Youth Automotive Training Center's mission of giving troubled kids a jump start on a better future.
 
At the Golf Club at Fleming Island, The 6th Annual Jim Moran YATC North Florida Golf Tournament presented by Auto Carrier Express, Inc., offered stellar golfing, silent auctions, raffles, door prizes, a barbecue cookout and awards ceremony.  Pictured below are (from left): YATC Board President Larry McGinnes; YATC Executive Director Terry Routley, former Jacksonville Jaguar Tony Boselli; Gilbert Hanks of Auto Carrier Express; and YATC Board Member Bob Moore.

Further south at the Jacaranda Golf Club, more than 100 friends gathered at The 10th Annual Jim Moran YATC South Florida Golf Tournament.  Accepting the Presenting Sponsor Award for 
Holy  Cross Hospital is President and CEO Dr. Patrick Taylor (below center), pictured with (from left) YATC Board Member Alan Browdy, James Desmarteau, Dr. David Taub, Dr. Richard Mastrole, Dr. Bart Musial and Terry Routley. Thank you to all sponsors of these great golf tournaments!

YATC sends support and encouragement to special friend

Published June 2013

The YATC family extends its collective thoughts and well wishes to our longtime friend Jim Kelly as he is facing the challenge of cancer in his upper jaw bone.  The former Buffalo Bills quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer has been a special part of the YATC family for more than 15 years.  We wish him, Jill and their family the best as he prepares for surgery June 7.

Remembering our Founder

Published June 2013

YATC Founder Jim Moran enjoyed meeting and interacting with students as they progressed through the program.  Always offering a word of encouragement, a handshake and usually a bit of humor, Jim wanted the students to know how much they meant to him.  Above, he greets Bobby Geiyer as fellow student Jon Martinez looks on in September 2000.