Matthew graduates early to fulfill Marine Corps dream

Matthew Haynesworth before he ships out for bootcamp

Last week one of Y.O.U.’s Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOG) students, Matthew Haynesworth, departed for Marine Corps bootcamp. Matthew is 17 years old and has lived in Maple Heights his entire life. He worked very hard to recover credits he lost before coming to the Education & Career Achievement Center (ECAC) of the Maple Heights City Schools. His JOG career specialist, Vanessa Ackley, recalls Matthew’s work ethic and determination to reach these accomplishments.

Matthew was able to complete all his classes and earn his OhioMeansJobs Career Readiness Seal by mid-January when he applied for early graduation. In all the years staff can remember, Superintendent Charlie Keenan has approved only two students to graduate early. Matthew became the third student to be granted early graduation so he could begin his career in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Congratulations and good luck to Matthew as he embarks on his next adventure!

This information was compiled by Vanessa Ackerly and Allie Levin in February 2021.