YEAR UP PROVIDENCE CLASS OF JANUARY 2006

On January 10, 2006, Year Up Providence's first class filled the Westin Providence Narragansett Ballroom to capacity, celebrating their graduation with more than 200 family members, corporate partners, program supporters, and community leaders. The platinum sponsors of the event were CVS/Pharmacy and Stop& Shop. We were honored to have Mark Wilson from Ryla Teleservices as our keynote speaker.

The Honorable David N. Cicilline, Mayor, Providence, Rhode Island was presented with Year Up's Urban Empowerment Award. This award recognizes individuals who have made an incredible impact on their community by empowering urban young adults to reach their potential.

As with each celebration, Year Up's graduates inspired the audience by sharing their personal experiences. Jessica Kirwin vulnerably shared the transformation that took place in her life during her Year and admonished her fellow graduates with the following quote: "When you get to the top, don't forget to look down and see who you can help on the way up."

Fellow graduate Obasi Osborne shared with his classmates "Year up wasn't only about skills it was also about building a community and learning how to function in that community."

Year Up Providence is honored to announce the Class One Dave Retik and Chris Mello award recipients, continuing to honor the former Alta Communications employees and Year Up supporters:

The Dave Retik Award for Excellence: Marilyn James

The Chris Mello Award for Leadership: Obasi Osborne