Light House officials honored the first 10 people who recently graduated the shelter’s BEST program.

BEST (Building Employment Success Training) is a 12-week job-training program that focuses on administrative, janitorial and culinary arts, according to a release.

Light House residents must qualify to participate in the hands-on training program. It includes daily classes in basic and life employment skills as the students work in their chosen fields under the guidance of a job coach.

From Light House Executive Director Elizabeth Kinney’s keynote speech:

Our job at the Light House is to ask what happened and to help you sort out the path back to the life you want to lead. We do not judge the events that led you to our doors, we invest in creating opportunities that will lead you to standing taller and prouder as you walk out our doors…You have shown the dedication, openness, willingness and team spirit.

You have kept the motivation that it takes to make anything worthwhile happen in life. You have passed the required testing, the required learning and the required homework. You have also done the self reflection necessary to grow. We are so proud of you!

One student graduated in administration, five in culinary arts and three in janitorial/maintenance, according to the release.

Robert Beans, representing U.S. Rep. John Sarbanes (D-MD), presented the students with a certificate of special recognition

The BEST program started in 2010 through a grant from the Ladders to Success program through the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, according to the release.

Six of the 10 graduates have secured employment in their respective disciplines and one is attending technical school, officials said.

Plans to expand the program this spring could include retail and landscaping.

For more information about the program, contact Kristy Blalock at 410-349-5056 or kblalock@annapolislighthouse.org.