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A special graduation ceremony was held Tuesday in their honor at the Hackensack YMCA. The graduates immigrated from Mexico, Central and South American countries.
They range in age from their early 20s to early 60s and were recognized by supervisors and colleagues for successfully completing the first eight-week course.
“I’m thankful to my supervisors for the chance to participate in ‘English Under the Arches’,” said Rubiela Restrepo, a McDonald’s manager in Garfield who has been with the Acre organization for 16 years.
“This class helped me to understand more English.”
The sixteen graduates include:
- Elisabel Almonte, 21, Garfield
- Lilia Chavarria, 62, Teaneck
- Rosa Correa, 41, Hackensack
- Gloria Ocotl Garcia, 32, Hackensack
- Rosa Guaman, 46, Hackensack
- Evangelista Joaquin, 25, Hackensack
- Luis Lliguisupa, 62, Hackensack
- Luis Marroquin, 47, Teaneck
- Maria Maruri, 44, Hackensack
- Azucena Quizhpi, 32, Hackensack
- Rubiela Restrepo, 41, Lodi
- Carmen Sagnay, 35, Hackensack
- Blanca Sucuzhanay, 35, Hackensack
- Carolyn Torres, 29, Garfield
- Orlando Vidal, 63, Hackensack
- Doraliza Yanza, 44, Hackensack
“Archways to Opportunity is a fantastic initiative that encourages our employees to continue with their education,” said Ed Acre, a McDonald’s franchisee who owns and operates three restaurants in New Jersey.
“They now feel more confident communicating at work with customers and crew.”
CLICK HERE for more on the program.
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