The Guam Department of Labor's Americorps program is pleased to announce the 7th year program has graduated 35 Members who completed the 2004-2005 AmeriCorps Program successfully.  The AmeriCorps Members have been involved in the following direct community service activities:

1.  Mentoring youths in recreational programs and sport clinics and assisting in a youth summer camp.

2.  Creating and providing awareness presentations regarding the importance of preserving and protecting Guam’s historical sites and parks through the Site Stewardship Program.

3.  Aiding in the propagation of seedlings and planting of tree seedlings at USDA identified watersheds and public parks.

4.  Mentoring and tutoring at-risk youth under the Jumpstart and Aftercare Programs and providing constructive out-of-school activities in various community resource centers.

5.  Providing structured activities, such as read aloud and arts and crafts, through the Saturday Reading Program and Summer Reading Program, to promote literacy, foster creativity, stimulate imagination, and boost self-esteem.

To strengthen communities, encourage responsibilities, and expand opportunities through needs and service activities, the Members have also participated in some of the following Group Events and Projects:

·    November – Feeding the homeless with Salvation Army
·    December – Sugar Plum Tree & bell ringing
·    January & April – Na La Bonita Guam and Salvation Army
·    March – First Lady Easter Egg Hunt for disabled children
·    April – Earth Day activities
·    May – First Lady Senior Citizen Luncheon & Relay for Life
·    July – Project awareness for the Liberation Day Parade (Float)
·    September – Citizenship Day/Historical Sites Clean-Up
·    October – Arbor Day (tree assessment training)

To provide AmeriCorps Members with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to be active, productive, and contributing citizen in the community, Members have completed trainings on Community First Aid and Safety, CPR, Conflict Resolution, Communication, Stress and Anger Management, Citizenship Building, and “Life After AmeriCorps”.

The Graduation Ceremony was held on November 26, 2005, at the Hilton Resort and Spa at 3:00 p.m.  Congratulations (!) to the following 7th Year AmeriCorps Graduates:

Lisa Ada, Adrian Almazan, Tiana Aquiningoc, Sonya Arriola, Rita Babauta, Christine Bernardo, Clarita Bueno, John Camacho, Andrew Cortez, Daniel Cortez,  Bonnie Crisostomo, James David, Maria David, Sianna Drilon, Derick Finona, Devin Frazier, Regina Gamboa, Deana Garcia, Matthew Grover, Rosario Lazaga, Christopher Love, Alex Malonson, Racine Manley, Mateo Mantanane, Rosalinda Nicdao, Marvin Peregrino, Joelle Perez, Jowina Perez, Thomas San Agustin, Camille Santos, Thera Santos, Maynelyn Soliva, Nelson Soliva, Sherileen Torres, and Carlos Villagomez.