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Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Stanford Athletics Recognizes JobTrain Heroes

Sometimes you just have to take a moment and accept that who you are and what you do - really does make a difference.

On February 29th, JobTrain Medical Office Assistant instructor Joy Martin-Spriggs and her student Lacole Phillips, took to the court at the Stanford women’s basketball game and were inducted into their Local Heroes program. The applause and cheer they received was unbelievable. In addition to the thousands of fans in Maples Pavilion, approximately (50) JobTrain students and staff attended the special occasion – compliments of coach Tara VanDerveer.

Each month, Stanford Athletics recognizes Bay Area residents that spend tireless hours serving their communities and striving to help others stand tall and stand proud.

For nearly six years, Joy has helped hundreds of students recognize their potential and exceed the wildest dreams. Because of her effective teaching style, Joy’s students have the best class attendance rate. Moreover, they graduate with marketable vocational skills and a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation for what they can achieve.

Lacole credits Joy for giving her the confidence to believe in herself – something she struggled to do before enrolling in the MOA class. Despite battling a restrictive language disorder, Lacole maintains a positive “can-do” attitude. That which doesn’t come easily for Lacole, she compensates for with diligence, dedication to her studies and precise focus and determination to achieve her goals. Lacole’s upward trajectory is clear to see. In addition to being a stellar student of the Medical Office Assistant program, she received JobTrain’s coveted Trainee of the Month Award in February. Lacole intends to further her education after graduating from JobTrain in May.

Nowadays, everyone at JobTrain is standing a little more tall and definitely more proud – because of Lacole and Joy!