21 Jul Gaitan receives award
Gaitan Receives Governor’s NCWorks Award
Morehead City, N.C. (July 21, 2021) – Carteret Community College graduate Makayla Gaitan is the recipient of the 2021 Governor’s NC Works Award of Distinction in the category of Outstanding Young Adult. The award recognizes young adults who have been involved in a publicly funded NC workforce service or program and have demonstrated exceptional achievement to attain career-related goals. Gaitan participated in the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth program and is the first Carteret CC student to receive the award.
“The WIOA program and the NCWorks staff are extremely proud of Makayla’s accomplishment,” said WIOA Youth Program Coordinator Merianne Grigoriciuc. “She has demonstrated academic, personal and professional perseverance throughout her time in the WIOA program and has exemplified professionalism, empathy and quality customer service in each of her work experiences and internships. Makayla’s dedication to help others and serve her community are the qualities that make her deserving of the Governor’s NCWorks Award of Distinction.”
After receiving her high school diploma through the Carteret Community College Adult High School, Gaitan pursued her college degree and entered the Human Services Technology program at Carteret CC, during which she worked as a WIOA student worker as the College’s Retention and Counseling Services Assistant. “I owe a lot to Carteret Community College and the WIOA program,” said Gaitan. “To be recognized for doing my job and pursuing my passion of helping others is such a great feeling. I know I am on the right career path and to have that recognized gives me indescribable joy.”
In May 2021, Gaitan graduated with her Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Human Services Technology from Carteret Community College and is now pursing her bachelor’s degree at Lees-McRae College. She hopes to pursue her master’s and possibly her doctorate. “I am continuing to work with and for people while preparing for a future career as a therapist,” said Gaitan. “But no matter what, as long as I am able to help others, I will be happy.”
As the 2021 Outstanding Young Adult, Gaitan will be recognized at the September 16th Eastern Carolina Workforce Development Board meeting and annual banquet. Students interested in the WIOA program should contact program coordinator Merianne Grigoriciuc at 252.222.6038.
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