TransTech Academy Graduates Honored at Awards Program

On June 2, the TransTech Academy at the Francis L. Cardozo Senior High School held its Eleventh Senior Awards and Recognition Program in Washington, D.C. More than 150 students, alumni, teachers, parents, friends, partners and supporters of the Academy attended the special program. Teamsters Attorney James McCall and Education Coordinator James Beeharilal represented the Teamsters Union. The event was emceed by 1995 TransTech Class alumnus Edwin Rodriguez, who graduated from the University of Maryland with a triple major, and now works for the Federal Transit Administration.

Thirty-four students, of whom 10 graduated with honors, made up the Academy’s Class of 2005. A majority of the class received scholarships, ranging from approximately $1,000 to $100,000, to further their studies in institutions of higher learning in different parts of the country. Most, if not all, of the graduates are from lower income families.

TransTech Academy Teacher Emma L. Stephens presented the awards to the graduates, and Academy Coordinator Mrs. Shirley C. McCall presented certificates of appreciation and special awards to the Academy’s partners and supporters, including the Teamsters Union. Beeharilal accepted a plaque on behalf of the union. Mrs. McCall also read a letter from Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa congratulating the Class of 2005. Hoffa and the Teamsters Union have provided vital support to TransTech students over the years.

“Transportation is important and critical to the health of our nation’s economy as well as to the global economy,” Hoffa said in his letter to the graduates. “The Teamsters Union is proud to have the opportunity to work with you over the years as you prepare these incredible young men and women for careers in transportation and other fields. Because of the foundation you have provided, wherever the students go in life–and, hopefully, many of them consider careers within unionized sectors–they are sure to make a difference in their local communities and on the job.”                

The TransTech Academy has been a valuable partner in the Teamsters Skills For Tomorrow project. Its students, including some from the graduating Class of 2005, have actively participated in various Teamster programs. Since 1999, the Skills For Tomorrow programs and presentations have reached more than 40,000 students.

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