WINONA HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WIN ESSAY AWARDS

The Veteran Employment Representatives (VER) of the Texas Veterans Commission in conjunction with Workforce Solutions East Texas Tyler Center held their 6th Annual Vet-Focused Job Fair on Tuesday, November 10th. The Veteran Employment Representatives are tasked with assisting veterans in searching for and obtaining employment.

The purpose of the job fair is to bring employers and Veteran job seekers together in one location with the hope of getting veterans employed, and it is open to the public. Joe Hamrick, the lead VER, said “The fair, which is normally the biggest event of the year has always been very successful, and this year was no exception.”

Stephen Lynch, Area Director for the Tyler Center gave some details, “Over 650 job seekers came through the doors to seek employment and services from about 44 employers and veterans organizations."

While the job fair is a vital event, it is just one of the many ventures of the Teas Veterans Commission. The center celebrates veterans during the month of November with other activities such as a “Wall of Honor” which displays the photos of center staff and their family members who have served or still serving in the military.

There is also an Essay Writing Contest held in conjunction with local schools with the theme being “What Being A Military Veteran Means to Me?” This year Winona High School hosted the contest participants. The three best essays are presented with first ($150), second ($100) and third ($50) prizes.

This year, for the first time, Express Employment Professionals, an area employer, sponsored the awards. Lisa Allen, an Express Employment Representative, said “It was an honor to sponsor the awards. It is a way of giving something back to the community, and the essays were a way to keep the spirit of patriotism alive among our young people.”

Winona High School invited the VERs and center representatives to attend the school’s Veteran Day Ceremony on November 11th and present their awards to the winning students, which turned out to be a great venue to recognize the students on that day.

The student winners were: James Machiavello (1st Place) Sarah Rogers (2nd Place) Kayla Minchew (3d Place)

(Left) Lisa Allen, representing Express Employment Professionals of Tyler presents the 1st Place Winner James Machiavello with a $150 check.

(Right) Lisa Allen, presents the 2nd Place Winner Sarah Rogers with a $100 check.