2016 June E-Newsletter

Graduate spotlight: Jarad Boykins (Class of 2014)

Published June 2016

Jarad Boykins didn't know where he was going.  Three years ago, he spent his time hanging around the streets. He'd dropped out of Deerfield Beach High School. He had no job and no prospects for getting one.  He'd been arrested for drug possession.  Life was not looking promising.
 
"I really needed help," Jarad said. "I was a dropout. I was doing nothing.  They taught me a trade. I got off drugs. YATC got me focused. It really changed my life around."
 
Fast forward, three years and Jarad, now 23, has a significantly different outlook. He has a good job at AutoNation Chevrolet, a girlfriend and a clean life. Jarad, pictured at right shaking hands with JM Family Enterprises, Inc. President and CEO Colin Brown, has a future, thanks to graduating from the YATC in 2014. Now an automotive technician, Jarad hopes to earn further automotive certifications so he can move up in his job responsibilities and one day give back to the program that helped him get to this point.
 
"I'd like to donate back to the school," he said. "I'd like to be able to do that. There are other schools but the one-on-one attention [at YATC], you won't get that anywhere else.  It's a life-changing experience."

YATC's Class of 2016 graduates

Published June 2016

YATC proudly announces the graduation of the 27 young men of the Class of 2016.  More than 350 guests celebrated the achievements of YATC's 37th class.

"YATC is a place of knowledge and it's more like a family," said graduate Jacob Sainz De La Torre. "I cannot thank Mr. Moran enough for his vision to create YATC."

Sainz De La Torre received the Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship Award, which includes a full tuition scholarship to attend a technical/vocational school.
 
With the assistance of YATC's staff and its volunteer tutors, two of this year's graduates earned their GEDs and four have received their high school diplomas. During the commencement ceremony, 11 graduates were awarded scholarships for continuing education, four of whom received special recognition for notable achievements.

Pictured above right are (from left) Tavares Hill Jr. (Outstanding Attendance Award); Sainz De La Torre; Steven Lawrence (Turnabout Award honoring the significant changes in his life); Jahkeem Bullock (Jump Start Award for excellence in automotive knowledge and repairs); and Executive Director Terry Routley.
 
YATC President Emeritus G. Richard Knox was memorialized at the start of the graduation program, acknowledging his involvement in establishing and shaping YATC's curriculum alongside Founder Jim Moran.  Knox passed away in late 2015. His partner, Judee Newman, his daughter and son-in-law Shawna and Louis Giacomini were in attendance, as was Sid Wolk of The Cross Country Group, another instrumental YATC supporter from the school's inception through today.

Judge Melanie G. May of Florida's 4th District Court of Appeal is pictured at right with YATC Board President Larry McGinnes (left) and Routley as she received the Jim Moran Award. This award is given annually to one of the program's outstanding community partners. Judge May has been involved with the Training Center for more than three decades, providing valuable insight and leadership on the Board of Directors for 22 years.

The evening's key note speech was given by longtime YATC supporter and board member Judge Elijah H. Williams of the 17th Judicial Circuit Court of Florida Juvenile Delinquency Division.

"This is an exciting and important moment for our students, as they begin the next phase of their lives," said Routley. "But graduation is not the end of their YATC journey. Even years from now, our door will continue to be open to provide support when these young men need us. They are part of the family."

Congratulations to the Class of 2016!

Jim Moran Classic November 11 & 12, 2016

Published June 2016

As YATC's primary fundraiser, the Jim Moran Classic offers a weekend of golf and tennis tournaments, receptions, the Classic Banquet, kids and teens activities, raffles and a silent auction all to benefit the students and graduates.

Remembering Our Founder

Published June 2016

"We learned [at YATC] that we can't just teach the brains and the hands. Often you have to help the soul and the will, too. If you want young people to turn around, you have to do more."

Tech Tip

Published June 2016

Making friends with your mechanic

Keeping your car in good repair is essential for the safety, efficiency and productive life of your vehicle.  Many routine maintenance jobs can be done yourself, but sooner or later most drivers face a job better left to a professional. Finding a qualified, trustworthy mechanic can also be a challenge.  Here are a few tips to help you find a mechanic you can rely on:

Ask around. Neighbors, friends and family can tell you who they've used and trusted. If they feel they have been ripped off, you can avoid that shop. Social media is also a great tool to get a wide range of feedback.

Get the facts. If you have a mechanical problem, be sure to note as many details about the issue before you take your car in to the shop.  Knowing the specifics about the problem will make it easier to solve. Writing down the details helps ensure they are addressed properly.

Ask for help. Your local auto parts store may be able to give you some free advice. The store employees may be able to plug your car into a diagnostic machine if your check engine light is on and tell you right away if you need a new sensor. This is usually free of charge and the helpful employees might provide guidance about what repairs are needed.

Use your knowledge. Now that you've done your homework, going into a shop as an informed driver, you can share what you've learned and discuss options with your mechanic.