Attending the Graduation Ceremony at Lakeside Resort: Front Row -- Bob Sotis, Class Instructor, Tom O’Brian, UCHRA Human Resources Manager; Randy Shelton, Lakeside’s Sales, Marketing, and Education Coordinator; Suzanne Williams, Executive Director of the Smithville/ DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce; Dennis Tennant, TTU’s Associate Director of Extended Programs and Regional Development, and Dr. Susan Elkins, TTU’s Vice-President of Extended Programs and Regional Development. Graduates (Back row L to R): Bobbie Herriott (White County), Harold Herriot (White), Brian Pack (DeKalb), Joe Pat Adcock (White), Erikka Fleming (Macon), Christina Livesay (Putnam), Jessica Craighead (Putnam), Mandy McCormick (DeKalb), Linda Bain (DeKalb). Not Pictured: Joshua Puckett (DeKalb), Christine Elliot (DeKalb), and Shawn Lamberson (Putnam)

By:  Randy Wilder, Community Outreach Manager

“The Upper Cumberland Human Resource Agency in conjunction with Lakeside Resort and Educational Complex and Tennessee Technological University honored 12 students during a recent graduation program held at Lakeside resort near Smithville.  Students received certificates from Lakeside and TTU, showing completion of the 18-week program that uses hands-on experience in the resort and food industry along with classroom instruction.”  Milburn Rodgers, Lakeside’s General Manager announced.  This program, funded by the Tennessee Department of Labor, is a comprehensive study of the food service business.

“This program has served as a stepping stone in the careers of many students and we look forward to being able to offer this opportunity to many more.” said Phyllis Bennett, Executive Director of UCHRA. “It’s also a privilege to work with Tennessee Tech in this area of extended education.”

The welcome and introductions were presented by Randy Shelton, Lakeside’s Sales, Marketing, and Education Coordinator, who praised the students for their accomplishment. “We are extremely proud of our students, who have worked so hard to accomplish their goals.” said Shelton,

Keynote speaker, Suzanne Williams from the Smithville/ DeKalb County Chamber of Commerce, also praised the students for their efforts and reminded them of the support group through families and friends. William’s three point speech began with the statement “Commencement means start. This is a beginning for you, not an ending.” Her points- Do your homework, Tell the truth, and Show your passion- emphasized the new beginnings facing the students.

The Fall Class of 2010 was the thirteenth to graduate in the program since it restarted in 2004. This program, over the last 5 years, has an employment rate of 85% of the graduates.

Also speaking at the commencement was Dr. Susan Elkins, Vice-President of Extended Programs and Regional Development from TTU. Elkins praised Lakeside Resort and Educational Complex for the continued success of the program, and assisted Class instructor, Bob Sotis, in presenting each student with a certificate from Lakeside Education and Tennessee Tech.

If you are interested in applying or want more information on this program, call Lakeside Resort at 1-888-839-4799 or 1-615-597-4298 and speak to Randy Shelton.  The next enrollment date is February 14, 2011.