K. came to the NCIA Youth in Transition School in October 2005, and since then, she has adjusted well to her new school, classmates and teachers. As she plans her graduation, K. has been focused on finishing her high school requirements, such as math, english and science. “K. has been a great student,” said Dana Ackerley, Director of Education. “She’s very outgoing and motivated.”

While at the school, K. has been able to take classes in the school’s culinary arts vocational program, learning the basics of food preparation, including how to prepare meals, sanitization, and food storage, which will prepare her for a job in the restaurant industry. K. also has had the opportunity to work in a part-time stipend position in the school’s cafeteria, which gave her more practical experience and additional responsibility.

Since she loves to cook, it is no surprise when K. says that her culinary arts classes are her favorites, but she credits her teachers for making the classes fun and interesting. In addition to the restaurant industry, she is also interested in cosmetology and massage therapy, and hopes to learn more about job opportunities and training in these fields.”

Personally speaking: “I like it here. It’s a good change from the previous school I went to.”

NCIA favorites: culinary arts classes, Spanish teacher Ms. Peterson, and culinary arts teachers Ms. Johnson and Ms. Owens

• Dana Ackerley, Director of Education
• Robinette Cager, Human Resources Assistant
• Cynthia Hodge, Residential Director
• K, NCIA Student
• Latasha Nelson, Client
• Johnny Pilgrim, Operations Manager
• Tom Scott, Executive Director
• Corrine Waters, Art Instructor