Youths Recognized for Summer Work

Nearly 280 Ventura County youths were praised in a ceremony Thursday at Ventura City Hall for their summer work in several organizations across the county.

The youths, ages 14 to 21, were employed through the Summer Youth Employment and Training Program in jobs ranging from assisting librarians to cleaning trails in Upper Ojai.

After being presented with certificates for their work during a nearly 45-minute ceremony, the young workers, their parents and supervisors enjoyed the sounds of Hawaiian music played by a local band and savored Hawaiian food, including a roasted pig.

“It’s nice to be recognized for the work we did during the summer,” said Robert Delado, 17, who worked as a clerk at Moorpark City Hall. “I learned a lot about government and I hope to do something similar next summer.”

The federally funded program that started June 27 offered summer jobs to young people in the cities of Moorpark, Ojai, Saticoy and Ventura.

Today is the final day of work under the program, which placed youths in such professional environments as city governments, the Boys & Girls Club and libraries.

“We want them to experience life outside schools and learn about the workplace,” said Loretta Myers, manager for the program. “It’s a great opportunity for kids who otherwise would not have a job for the summer.”