By Robert Noles
Opelika Observer

Life does not always turn out the way people would like for it to turn out. The staff at EAMC knows this and offers their employees a chance to change things for themselves by providing them the School at Work program (S.A.W.), because “SAW Opens Doors.”

In its ninth year, the program has shown great success for the students – 92 students have graduated, and each has a success story.

This year’s graduating class was not an exception, with 10 students graduating from the course. The course starts in September of each year and runs for eight months. Meeting every week for two hours of classroom instruction plus homework assignments. Before one can enroll in the course, one must qualify by asking the department head, passing a test and having the desire to learn.

The course covers basic skills, reading, math, interviewing, how to dress for work, writing a resume portfolio and even taking the job skills Workkey test.

This year’s graduating class had Workkey test scores of one gold, six silver and one bronze.

Their hard work pays off even more at East Alabama Medical Center because EAMC also provides scholarships for college. Many of the students have gone on to Southern Union State Community College for the technical classes and nursing classes, and others obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

As part of their graduation excises, they each had to make a public speech. Many spoke of how thankful they were to be in the program and the opportunities they will now have at work. Others spoke of the hard times that they have had getting to this point in their lives and how this will help them make a living for their families.

The Catalyst Award Winner was Linda Hamer for her hard work and leadership during the year.

Class 2014 graduates are:

– Roslyn Darby

– Latasha Finley

– Linda Hamer

– Jennifer Hays

– Melissa Huguley

– Aretha McCullough

– Elizabeth Riggins

– Pamela Spinks

– Emory Williams

– Sanya Wilson