Local students graduate in inaugural recreation careers class

Students working in local parks recenty graduated in ceremonies to mark the inaugural class of an innovative work training program.

Offered by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), the REAACH (Recreation Employment and Achieving Career Happiness) Program is a five-month program designed to provide high school juniors through college sophomores the knowledge and on-the-job training necessary to pursue a successful career in a recreation field.

In addition to attending Saturday workshops which covered everything from resume writing and interview skills to dealing with peer pressure and conflicts in the workplace, REAACH participants also visited career fairs and corporations. Each student was also obligated to complete more than 500 hours of paid work experience with DPR.

The annual class costs approximately $500,000, including student wages, transportation, field trips, uniforms, meals and administrative costs. Funding for three classes over three successive years was provided by Los Angeles County Mayor Michael D. Antonovich.

The program was designed and administered by Meliza Hernandez, Recreation Services Manager and REAACH Coordinator with the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation.
 
The graduates representing the county parks located in the Foothill area are:
Eaton Canyon Nature Center: Dan Barsever, Amber Moreno, Brian Ta
Farnsworth Park: Mario Chavez, Joshua Servin, Daniel Diaz
Loma Alta Park: Ebony Thomas, Ralph Crowder II, Jesse Laney, Christopher Dang
Charles White Park: Charguena Brown, Leandra Golden
Crescenta Valley Park: Crystal Lepe, Chelsea Moffat
Veterans Park: Blair Roberson, Candace Fowlks