JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — It has been said once you graduate from school, it is time to face the "real world." Duval County Public Schools said more than 700 graduates are prepared thanks to a job-readiness program available to students.
The program is known as "Duval Ready." Being Duval Ready means the graduate has the skills to enter the workforce.
Darrell Stokes, recently graduated from Atlantic Coast High School, he expressed how motivated he is to reach his goals. The Jacksonville teen said he is expecting to attend Florida State College at Jacksonville and study business management.
"I would like to work at an investment firm with my father," Stokes said, grinning.
A proud 'dad moment' for Dimitri Stokes. Dimitri said Darrell is the last of siblings, out of four, to graduate high school. Dimitri recalled how his son inquired about giving the Duval Ready program a chance. Students who choose to get involved and pass the program during their senior year earn a special diploma seal. In this case, Darrell had to prove to the State of Florida he has the skills to take on the workforce. With a little luck and lot of hard work, Dimitri said his son is capable.
"It's the progression, right," Dimitri said. "Just learning how to become an adult or just being a man."
The 18-year-old had to pass the Florida Ready to Work Curriculum. Students in the program had to prove they are trained in displaying professionalism. Students should know how to communicate and be a team player. Last, they should know how to be a problem.
To Darrell, his message to students is 'invest in yourself.'
"Take yourself serious and other people will take you serious," Darrell said.
He encourages students to take advantage of the program available to them.