Kansas City Kansas Community College

They came from all different walks of life but when it was all said and done, it was one big happy family of graduates at the second H.E.A.R.T. commencement ceremonies at Kansas City Kansas Community College June 3.

An acronym for “Hospitality, Education and Retail Training,” Project H.E.A.R.T. is a collaborative effort between the Unified Government and KCKCC and made possible by funding through legislation introduced by Sen. Sam Brownback and supported by Rep. Dennis Moore.

“This day is about you,” said UG Mayor Joe Reardon in applauding the 18 graduates for their determination, commitment and sacrifices in getting through 13 weeks of intensive training in either Retail or Hospitality.

In their new roles where they’ll be meeting the public, Reardon challenged the graduates to help tell the story of KCK. “It’s more than having product on the shelf,” said Reardon. “Every city has a story to tell and we’ve got a great city. You’re about to enter a different world with an opportunity to tell our story.”

Four students delivered emotional talks as part of the ceremonies – valedictorians Thaddeus Watts (hospitality) and Brenda Baker (retail) and class representatives Maria Friskel (hospitality) and Arieras Long (retail).

Their talks included two recurring themes, the closeness and kinship of the students in each of the classes and a new outlook on life. “We can do anything – but fail,” Long told the graduates, families and friends that filled the KCKCC Conference Center. “It was like a family everyday, working along side everyone,” said Watts. “Everyone was so motivated and so dedicated.”

Baker recounted how she learned of the program through a Job Fair and her apprehension about joining. “I almost had second thoughts; that I wouldn’t be smart enough,” she said “I was very, very nervous but then I got positive reinforcement through the three D’s – determination, discipline and dedication.”

Called the “Heart of the H.E.A.R.T. project” and the glue that held together the whole class by Hospitality instructor Jonna Lounce, Maria Friskel spelled out the Hospitality program with the words Hot, Opportunity, Ideas, Talk, Attitude (positive), Learn, Improve, Today and You. “It’s all about you,” she said.

The other Hospitality graduates were Maria Hernandez, Haiti Hodge, Cedric Lee, Mariquio Madlock, Patricia Motes, Heather Reed, Atyra Tillman and Cynthia Townsend while Retail grads included Tanisha Fletcher, Melissa Castleberry, Geraldine Long, Michael Lea, Gabrielle Duarte and Octavius Manier.

Retail instructor Sheila Frazier, hospitality instructor Jonna Lounce and career coach Bruce Owens praised the students for their efforts and sacrifices in completing the 13-week program. “It’s an awesome accomplishment,” said Frazier. “You now have the best tools to enter a career, not just a job.”

There is no cost to enroll in the program, which is open to any interested persons although aimed primarily at adults going through difficult times including high school dropouts, the unemployed and some who had been incarcerated or were on parole.

“It’s a win, win program, helping some people who may have just given up,” said Project Manager Tammy Lewis. “For some, they’ve never written a resume or had a job interview. Now they’re learning job skills and some kind of trade. So many have gotten jobs from the competency they have learned.”

Students in the program ranged in age from 16 to early 60’s. “All had different situations but they all stuck together,” said Lewis. “If a student didn’t show up, the other students would call to see if they could help or if there was a need. And if Mrs. Friskel heard of anyone having a birthday, she was always bringing pies and cakes and food. I had one person tell me there were days they were so hungry and Mrs. Friskel had brought something for everyone to eat.”

The first H.E.A.R.T. graduation was held in February . “We had 27 graduates and 17 of them have jobs and with Schlitterbahn opening, we’ve already had a couple of our new graduates hired.”

All textbooks, assessments and other costs to the students are covered by a government grant. “The only thing the student has to do is find a way to the college,” said Lewis.

Another class is expected to start in the fall when the second year of a two-year grant kicks in. Persons wishing information on the program are urged to contact Tammy Lewis at 913-288-7192 or on-line at tlewis@kckcc.edu.

Ten years as a staffing coordinator opening restaurants for Dave & Busters across the nation, Lewis joined KCKCC to fulfill a dream of introducing prospective employees to careers in retail and hospitality. “I love my job and it’s so good to see everyone come together to provide the push that some people need,” said Lewis.