First Yamaha Marine Technology students receive certificates
Published 9:29 am Saturday, November 23, 2019
Dawn Burleigh/The Orange Leader The first students of Lamar State College Orange Yamaha Marine Technology course receive their certificate on Thursday. Students Dylan McWhirter, David Middleton Jr, Douglas Ruth, Mark Semar and John Thompson with Provost Dr. Al Barringer, Program Director for LSCO Maritime Program Captain Chris Horner and Instructor Raymond Savant.
By Dawn Burleigh
The Orange Leader
What began as a vision to better the quality of life of students, is now a reality for the first five students to participate in the Yamaha Marine Technology course at Lamar State College-Orange.
Certificates from the college and from Yahama were presented during a ceremony on Thursday afternoon.
“I have to commend the parents,” Instructor Raymond Savant said. “These are fine young men.”
Three of the students are from Evadale and one from Kirbyville. All making the effort to make to drive to attend class. Each one has a job waiting for them, and in at least one case, a decision on which offer to accept.
John Thompson, 20, of Kirbyville, was looking for employment when his mother tagged him on a Facebook post about the course.
“I already liked working on motors,” John said. “I was taught new things I did not know. I am glad she showed me and helped me get here.”
John added he starts a new job in Jasper thanks to the course.
John’s mother was in the audience showing her son support.
“It’s wonderful,” Sonia Thompson, John’s mother said. “I am glad he found something he wanted to do. He always liked engines.”
Sonia Thompson added District Counselor for Evadale ISD Amy Haden was instrumental in making the possible.
Amy was also mention as essential by Provost Dr. Al Barringer.
“There was a meeting with the college about opportunities to expand enrollment,” Amy Haden said. “This is one of the programs discussed.”
She made a post on Facebook asking if anyone was interested.
David Middleton, 18, of Evadale, is still attending high school and already has a job.
“I start next week in Beaumont,” David said.
At least one student is undecided on which offer to accept and is still interviewing, 16-year-old Douglas Ruth.
“I did not think this was possible to have career options and a career where I can be self-sufficient before I graduate high school,” Douglas said.
Lamar State College-Orange offers the only Yamaha certified course between Florida and California.
