YEAR UP PROVIDENCE, CLASS OF JULY 2006

On July 11th, Year Up Providence's second 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 Bank of America, CVS/Pharmacy and Citizens Bank. We were honored to have Paul Burton, ABCTV news reporter as our keynote speaker.

The Honorable Donald L. Carcieri, Governor, Rhode Island shared some opening remarks.

Johnson & Wales University and CVS/Pharmacy were presented with Year Up's Urban Empowerment Awards. This award recognizes individuals or organizations 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. Ben-Oni Jean-Pierre shared his gratitude for Year Up supporters when he stated " a special thanks to anyone or any company who invested in Year Up, because when you are investing in Year Up, you invest in my life and the lives of my fellow colleagues."

Fellow graduate James O'Farrow summed up his experience at Year Up with, "I stand here today a Year Up graduate, ambitious, capable, talented, experienced and full of hope..."

Year Up Providence is honored to announce the Class of July 06 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: Lutgardo Moya
	The Chris Mello Award for Leadership: James O'Farrow
	The SIM Award: James O'Farrow