Chamber Announces 32 Recipients of Inaugural Work Ethic Diploma

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools presented Work Ethic Diplomas to 32 Class of 2019 graduates from Northern and Southern High Schools.

“On behalf of the Garrett County Chamber, congratulations to the 32 students in the Class of 2019 that have earned their Work Ethic Diplomas,” said Nicole Christian, president & CEO of the Garrett County Chamber. “We are very excited to be recognizing the inaugural Work Ethic Diploma recipients. We are proud their strong work ethic and know that because of it, they will be successful with their career and/or college endeavors.”

The Class of 2019 recipients of the Work Ethic Diploma are:

Noah Aiken

Ava Ashby *

Cheyenne Bagley

Samuel Beeman

Dakota Bittinger *

Lindsay Brewer *

Emma Broadwater *

James Dean *

Lauren Derato

Dillon DeWitt *

Miranda Dillsworth *

Emily Frazee *

Harley Frazee

Laura Frederick *

Zach Gilbert

Kaitlynn House *

Skyler Hornby *

Tyler Johnson *

Jamie Kight *

Carsyn King *

Jessica McClurg *

Zachary Miller

Allison Morris *

Madison Richard *

Ana Rhoten *

Kyliana Sisler *

Megan Smith *

Sarah Smith *

Sierra Tichnell *

Bailee Upole

Bridget Weimer

Devin West *

“Our graduates have learned the value of hard work.  This value will open the door of opportunity in the workplace, which will lead to the discovery of their talents and passions,” said Chuck Olsson, Chair of the Work Ethic Diploma program and Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer for First United Bank & Trust. The employers of Garrett County look forward to supporting their growth as the leaders of our future.”

To qualify for a Work Ethic Diploma, students had to earn a minimum of points in the following criteria: Discipline Standard, Attendance Standard, Absence Standard, Work Experience, Community Service/Internship Project Standard, Overall Grade Point Average Standard, Team Work Standard. They also had to complete an exit interview.

Students were also given the option to earn points by submitting to a voluntary drug test provided free of charge by the Garrett County Health Department. The students with asterisks by their name opted to participate and tested drug fee, which is indicated on their Work Ethic Diploma.

The Chamber hopes that by promoting the fact that being drug free can help our young people secure a job and earn better money, they can help to combat the opioid crisis ravaging our communities.

“These students demonstrate the abilities and characteristics that employers in our community are seeking,” said Laura Fike, Chair of the Chamber’s Workforce Development Task Force and Executive Director of Garrett Mentors. “We believe that the Work Ethic program is going to help businesses in determining quality candidates for open positions and we look forward to working alongside of them in our local businesses.”

The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce and Garrett County Public Schools launched the Work Ethic Diploma program in the spring of 2018 to address local workforce challenges by creating a pipeline of prospective employees who possess those quality attributes desired by employers. The Class of 2019 is the inaugural class and are guaranteed interviews and higher wages by the participating businesses. Full details on the program can be found at www.visitdeepcreek.com/pages/WorkEthicDiploma.

Thank you to the 36 business partners for their commitment to these students. For businesses interested in learning more about the program, please contact Holly Lane at 301-387-6171 or holly@garrettchamber.com.