Deerfield Beach, Fla. (May 30, 2019) - The Youth Automotive Training Center (YATC), a unique nine-month automotive training program which provides intensive instruction and hands-on training in automotive theory and practical skills, recently graduated its 750th student as part of the Class of 2019.

Established by automotive legend and JM Family Enterprises founder Jim Moran in 1984, YATC’s mission is to train and educate at-risk youth in basic automotive repair skills, academic remediation, job readiness and life management skills. The goal of this program is to prepare at-risk young adults to become self-sufficient, productive, law-abiding citizens.

Youth Automotive Training Center Graduates Its 750th StudentAnnual Celebration Recognizes Award-Winning Students from the Class of 2019

June 2019

“YATC taught me that family is more than just blood,” said 22-year-old Martin Baena, a 2019 graduate who was recognized during the ceremony. “If Mr. Moran were still here today, which he is in all of our hearts, I would thank him for the second chance that nobody else would have given me.”

Equally valuable to automotive training, the school provides emotional support from the caring staff — three of whom are YATC graduates — and imparts educational and practical life skills. Guided by educators and volunteer tutors from the community, eight of this year’s graduates earned their high school diplomas and five are pursuing their diplomas following graduation.

Twenty-five graduates make up the 40th class to graduate from the Youth Automotive Training Center, including the 750th young person to complete the program.

During the commencement ceremony, 12 graduates were awarded scholarships for continuing education, six of whom received special recognition for notable achievements.

Baena received the Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship Award. Established in 2009 by Jan Moran in memory of Bruce Rossmeyer, this recognition includes a full-tuition scholarship to attend a technical/vocational school. Rossmeyer, founder of Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson and Daytona Toyota, was a devoted friend and generous supporter of YATC.

Other standout award recipients include: Michael Somers, 20, was presented with the Jump Start Award for excellence in automotive knowledge and repairs. Damian Varona, 20, was honored with the Turnabout Award for making significant changes in all areas of his life. Eduardo Bretz Jr., 19; Jarkevius Nemec, 19; and Michael Whitaker, 20, all received Outstanding Attendance Awards for demonstrating exceptional commitment.

YATC also awarded Joe O’Brien, founder of the O’Brien Automotive Team, with the annual Jim Moran Award. This recognition, which was presented by Larry McGinnes, president, YATC Board of Directors; and Terry Routley, executive director, YATC, acknowledges a person or group who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the school and its students.

“Joe has been a loyal and dedicated friend of YATC for many years. He’s a true ‘car guy’ at heart. He recognized the value of the automotive skills graduates gain at YATC and has supported the program ever since. We are so grateful to have Joe on our team,” said Routley.

The Youth Automotive Training Center is fortunate to have three graduates on staff. Having been in the students’ place once, these instructors are uniquely positioned to interact with at-risk youth. (L to R): Loren Kushner (Class of 1987); 2019 Graduate Kristian Rodriguez; Charles Whitehouse (Class of 1988); and Roger Lamoreal (Class of 1996).

Damian Varona addressed the audience of more than 300 friends, family members and community supporters, sharing how the program has impacted his life in the past nine months.

(L to R): Terry Routley, executive director, Youth Automotive Training Center; Sandy Rossmeyer; Martin Baena, 2019 Youth Automotive Training Center graduate and Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship recipient; Shelly Rossmeyer-Pepe; and Larry McGinnes, president, Board of Directors.

Students are referred to YATC in a variety of ways, including through the departments of Juvenile Justice and Children and Families, as well as by past YATC graduates, local clergy and word of mouth. Many of these young people have experienced poverty, crime, abuse and addiction even before reaching their teen years. There is no cost to attend as the program is sustained solely by generous donors and the school’s annual fundraiser. This year’s event, Art of Success, is scheduled for Saturday, November 9. This inaugural appreciation and fundraising effort will be an all-day event at the school followed by an evening reception at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. For more information about YATC, visit www.yatc.org or call 954.428.0909. YATC is located at 399 SW Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Deerfield Beach.

During the ceremony, six Youth Automotive Training Center graduates received special recognition for notable achievements. (L to R): Martin Baena, Bruce Rossmeyer Memorial Kick Start Scholarship; Eduardo Bretz, Outstanding Attendance Award; Michael Whitaker, Outstanding Attendance Award; Damian Varona, Turnabout Award; Michael Somers, Jump Start Award; and Jarkevius Nemec, Outstanding Attendance Award.

Terry Routley, executive director, Youth Automotive Training Center (L) and Larry McGinnes, president, Board of Directors (R) recognize Joe O’Brien (Center) with the Jim Moran Award for his longtime dedication to the program and its students.

The 2019 Youth Automotive Training Center graduates celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.

MEDIA CONTACT:Lauren Fyke

954.420.3279 (O)954.648.5462 (C)

Lauren.Fyke@jmfamily.com

Graduate Handol Martinez shared his enthusiasm as the class processed in for the ceremony.

Youth Automotive Training Center graduate Christopher Snyder (L) celebrated his accomplishments with daughter June and girlfriend Jasmyn Gonzalez.

Sharing the graduation festivities with loved ones is always a highlight of the ceremony. Graduate Caziah Hanson (Center) was joined by his sister Princess Hanson and his grandmother Clara McDemott.

Graduate Rojae Hill (Center) was surrounded by Clement (left) and Louisa Hill at the commencement ceremony.