GOVERNOR'S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE
IN WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT PROGRAMS

The Private Industry Council of Westmoreland Fayette Inc. would like to extend their congratulations to Denise McCullough of Hunker PA, Westmoreland County, on the determination and outstanding efforts that led her to be the recipient of the "Governor's Achievement Award for Outstanding Performance in Workforce Investment Act Programs" for the state of Pennsylvania. Nominations can be submitted by staff throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for this award.

John Chedister, Employment Specialist at the PA CareerLink Westmoreland County, nominated Denise for her achievements. The nomination was then reviewed, approved and forwarded to Harrisburg by Tim Yurcisin, President of the Private Industry Council who serves on the Board of PA Partners. The Private Industry Council received the good news that Denise was selected for the award on March 5, 2008. The presentation of the award will take place at an Awards Luncheon at the Hershey Hotel on May 7, 2008.

Denise has proven to be a role model for all. Being dislocated from a job is not always the worst thing that could happen to you. Through hard work and determination while overcoming a multitude of obstacles, Denise has shown us all that with someone to help guide and advocate for you, you can be motivated to achieve anything.

Denise came to the PA CareerLink Westmoreland County after losing a job where she worked as a parking garage attendant, tax and data entry clerk making a good wage. Realizing that she did not have the skills to gain suitable employment in today's market she began the assessment process. Denise's SAGE results showed strengths and aptitudes that directed her toward healthcare, specifically nursing.

She was apprehensive but moved forward and as suggested talked to others in the profession. This helped Denise make her decision to move forward with her goal and pursue the nursing field. After completing the pre-requisites required for nursing she started school on 8/19/2004. Approximately 2 months after starting school, she contacted John with the devastating news that she had cancer. Despite going through surgery and being hospitalized for 10 days she was still able to complete the semester. In January 2005, Denise requested a medical leave since she was not permitted to take part in clinical while receiving treatment. Not being able to take part in the clinical portion of her training that spring pushed her graduation date back a year. After sitting out the first 2 months of the Spring 2005 semester she registered for a late start class to keep her momentum and study habits intact and continued to take classes the next semester in anticipation of resuming her clinical in the Spring of 2006. After receiving a positive report from her doctor she was able to resume school and clinical in January of 2006. She continued full time through the program while working as a casual PCA at a local hospital. She was right back on track and graduated in May of 2007.

In June, she achieved her long term goal. She started in the operating room at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Today, Denise is healthy, happy and enjoying her new career. She now realizes the satisfaction that comes from obtaining her career of choice and the many wonderful benefits that come with success. She knows she is capable of achieving all of her goals. She is certainly a remarkable person! To overcome all of the obstacles and trials that she had in her path makes her efforts even more commendable. She truly is a success story and deserving of this prestigious award.

Again, our congratulations to Denise on her many accomplishments.