Health & Fitness
Joliet Township High School Transition Center Celebrates a Year of Success through Community and School Partnerships
Joliet Township High School Transition Center hosted a luncheon to thank businesses, employers, administrators, teachers and coordinators who worked with JTHS to make the Transition Center a success.
Joliet Township High School Transition Center recently hosted an appreciation luncheon to celebrate and thank the local businesses, employers, administrators, teachers and coordinators who partnered with JTHS to make the first year of the Transition Center a success.
The students enrolled in the Transition Center receive intense, transitional supports to develop vocational, community and independent living skills. The center provides students with hands-on learning opportunities, both inside and outside of the classroom.
The community luncheon recognized those who supported the program through their provision of student employment opportunities, educational opportunities and more.
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The following community and business partners received recognition for the provision of educational experiences to JTHS Transition Center students: Susan Grask, Abri Credit Union; Terry Kunze and Glenn Scott, Aktion Club; Angela Keating, Cornerstone Services; Debbie Cole, Class Volunteer; Pamela Thomas and Kathy Kaniewski, Department of Human Services; Samantha Gehrig, Guardian Angel Community Services; Matthew Sahlin, Illinois Department of Employment Security; Arthur Arellano, Joliet Police Department; Gina Rodriguez, Joliet Park District; Kevin Cunningham, Trinity Services; Nancy Schultz Voots, Will County Clerk; Debbie Tarrant and Mary Tisdale, Will-Grundy Center for Independent Living.
The following employers received recognition for their provision of paid employment opportunities to JTHS Transition Center students. These community partners worked hand-in-hand with JTHS job coaches and work coordinators. Those who received recognition include: Kevin Brest, Bob Evans; Peggy Miller, Blue Kangaroo; Mike & Kathy Trizna, Chicago Street Grill; Chuck Mikolainis, Delta Sonic; Jennifer Howard, TCBY; Elida Morales, McDonald’s; Rhonda Teminski, McDonald’s; Bill Fox, McDonald’s; John Elder, Kuchies; Thomas Pena, Supermercado; Raul DelRio, Walgreens; Gus Batista, Walgreens; Jason Watanabe, Walgreens; Stewart Strickland, Red Lobster; Rick Thayer, 158 North.
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During the luncheon, the JTHS Transition Center also expressed appreciation towards the teachers, coordinators and administrators who helped make the Transition Center a success. The following JTHS staff received recognition: Maria Georgantas, District Transition Coordinator; Cindy Croce, transition teacher and Aktion Club Sponsor; Patty Pleta, AVAC transition teacher and Work Coordinator; Larry Beinias, Job Coach; Monica Magana, Job Coach; Dr. Cheryl McCarthy, JTHS Superintendent; Karla Guseman, JTHS Assistant Superintendent; Richard Pagliaro, JTHS Assistant Superintendent; Edna Brass, JTHS Director of Special Services; and Becky Kemp, AVAC and Transition Center Program Coordinator.
“This was a wonderful afternoon of networking and celebrating the Transition Center’s successful school year,” said District Transition Coordinator Maria Georgantas. “The Transition Center provides JTHS students with as many real-world, authentic experiences as possible through community partners, employers and JT staff. We are grateful for each and every partner that contributes to the successes of our students.”
