High School of Commerce - Caduceus Yearbook (Springfield, MA)

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LEFT: Miss Pratt, right, talks over area job opportunities with Dionne Banks. Allison Eng, Carol Santiago, Gloria Nieves and Jim- my Torres. BELOW: Bay State Grad mem- bers, sitting: James Fournier, President Nitza Rivera, Ronda Brown and Miss Pratt, advisor; standing: Mrs. R. Willoughby, advi- sor, Denise Kushner, Lena Williams, Mi- chello Trillo, Jean Carpenter, Laura Enos, Karen Glover and William Hanson. Lenise Youmans, Lizzette Acevedo, Laura Enos, Louis Prendergast and Daisy Rodriguez get ready to decorate the auditorium for Bay State Grads night. 29

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Nitza Rivera fleetingly considers becoming a pi- ano aficionado as she leans against the school’s auditorium piano. Bay State Grads “If business is what you like, this is the place to b e.” 66 t’s fun and educational,’”” stated Hector Santiago, a : member of Jobs for Bay State Grads. ’’l would like to become a commercial artist, and now | know it’s within reach for me.” What is Jobs for Bay State Grads? According to Miss Pratt, advisor, it is d program that helps prepare students obtain full-time employment. It also helps them become more independent and ready for the world, and it gives the students opportunities to meet people who will introduce them to business careers not usually considered. The 100 students who are in this program (started in Boston in 1980) meet twice a week during and after school. Only seniors can be accepted, but no specific grade average is needed to join. Bay State Grads allows members to build confidence so that they may help themselves. According to Eleanora Manzi, whose goal is to be a radiologist, ‘The class prepares students to reflect upon future goals and nudges them toward a successful start.’’ ’’And if business is what you like, this is the place to be,’’ added Blease John- son, d student interested in real es- tate. “I’ve acquired extensive knowledge of business careers.”’ Last year, 87% of its students were placed in jobs — bank tellers, telephone operators, accountants, cashiers, computer operators, etc. But the program also is involved in other activities. This enthusiastic and creative group took part in the Giving Tree, which gave a Christ- mas gift to a child for each orna- ment donated by the group. The students also played sports against Bay State Grad members from oth- er schools and attended career de- velopment dinners. Hopefully, the Bay State Grad program will continue to be as suc- f cessful in the future as it was this year. by Lissette Torres : 28

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RIGHT: Even the family dog wants to get into the act when Carrie Tyler and her family settle down together to watch television. BELOW: Sonia and Norma Colon visit their brother Guil- lermo in his office at the Social Security Department. ABOVE: Attending a Jobs for Bay State Grads function to honor their daughter are Ma- ria’ Midura’s mother and sis- ter. RIGHT: Surrounding their daughter Carla Nazario at the National Honor Society Induc- tion are her family members. 30 Student Life