Eight Pennsylvanians Recognized for Workforce Success

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 19, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Governor's Achievement Award was presented today to eight Pennsylvanians who have participated in various state workforce development initiatives and excelled in their workplaces. The awards were presented during the 2016 Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association Employment, Training & Education Conference at the Hershey Lodge and Convention Center through Friday.

The awards are jointly sponsored by state workforce development agencies – the departments of Aging, Labor & Industry and Human Services – and the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association.

Representatives of state workforce development agencies recognized the individuals for their accomplishments.

"The individuals we honor today are shining examples of what can be achieved with hard work and dedication," said Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino. "Moises Maldonado and Scott M. Caltagarone took difficult situations and turned them around with education, training, and determination, to better their lives and find work in satisfying, well-paid employment. Shane Burcaw's positive attitude throughout the challenges he has faced is inspirational, and his achievements in the face of adversity are to be commended."

Manderino was represented at the awards ceremony by Executive Deputy Secretary Robert O'Brien.

"Persistence and perseverance are among the many qualities that each of the individuals honored today possess," said Department of Aging Secretary Teresa Osborne. "We are particularly proud of the success of the Outstanding Senior Community Services Employment Program awardee, Janet Terry, who has used the program as a stepping stone to not only build her work experience and develop her skills and talents, but she also used the program to literally reinvent herself by blazing a trail to economic security and self-sufficiency as a productive, passionate, and valuable member of the workforce of older Pennsylvanians."

Osborne was represented at the awards ceremony by Rocco Claroni, aging services specialist.

"The determination that each of these individuals possess to better their careers and their lives for themselves and their families is inspiring," said Department of Human Services Secretary Ted Dallas. "Michelle Letosky, Migdalia Malave, Keistina Hayes, and Jacqueline Donahue have realized great financial independence, self-confidence, and performed exceptionally in their careers. These award recipients are terrific representation of Employment Advancement and Retention Network (EARN) Program and how the program helps individuals realize their goals. We look forward to each recipient's continued success."

Dallas was represented at the awards by Division Director Tamila Lay, Division of Employment and Training, Bureau of Policy.

The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, the voice of the Pennsylvania workforce investment system and a clearinghouse for workforce development information statewide, sponsors this annual conference, which attracts more than 800 private and public job-training experts from across Pennsylvania.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sara Goulet, L&I; 717-787-7530
Kristin Snow, Aging; 717-787-1550
Rachel Kostelac, Human Services; 717-425-7606

Editor's Note: Following is a list of award recipients.

Department of Labor & Industry and Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association

Youth Program Participant

• Scott M. Caltagarone, nominated by the North Central Workforce Development Board

Adult Program

• Moises Maldonado, nominated by the Berks County Workforce Development Board

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Program Participant

• Shane Burcaw, Bethlehem

Department of Aging

Outstanding Senior Community Service Employment Program Participant

• Janet Terry, Pittsburgh

Department of Human Services

EARN Program Participant Awards

• Michelle Letosky, Central City
• Migdalia Malave, Lancaster
• Kristina Hayes, Uniontown
• Jacqueline Donahue, West Chester

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us