At nine years antique, Irma Palencia promised her mother she might be a role model for not simply her brothers and sister but for the Latino community. Ten years later, the country has diagnosed Palencia for her effort to improve her life and the lives of others in Gaston County. Triumphing the award was an eye-opener of the things that I should reap,” she stated. “It helped me acknowledge that I am capable of those accomplishments.

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The teenager, along with Gastonia company GSM Offerings, brought home titles from the governor’s NCWorks Awards of Distinctions. Palencia changed into deemed an outstanding personnel improvement younger person for going thru Gaston University’s YouthWorks, a year-round activity training application for humans a long time 16 to 24.

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The 19-12 months-vintage beat eight other human beings for the award, such as Randolph and Cumberland counties. GSM — which presents roofing, heating, cooling, and associated Services — has become deemed an amazing enterprise. GSM beat out 5 different corporations statewide for the award: Carolina Seaside Clothing, Americhem, Robert Bosch Inc., Wayne Brothers Inc. And Firsthealth of the Carolinas.

The awards were offered on Oct. 6.

In a letter from Gov. Pat McCrory, he counseled the organization’s capacity to higher the skills of its workers. You are indeed a fantastic position model for North Carolina’s employers,” he wrote. Workplace supervisor Donna Caskey said the organization invests in employee training, apprenticeships for people interested in becoming a member of, and scholarships at Gaston College. Complete-time employees were attending night college to

higher their abilities, she stated. The organization additionally invests time in teaching excessive school college students on why they have to be a part of the heating and cooling service industry, approximately the ability pay, competencies that get you employed no matter in which You’re and the money saved on going to College for half of the time.

We’re very commemorated,” she said. “I paintings for a splendid organization.

GSM has introduced 100 employees within the past five years and still has about 30 positions open for installers, technicians, administrators, coordinators, and extra. Palencia finished her high college diploma work within three months of enrolling within the application, YouthWorks coordinator Phyllis Davis-Brown stated. She also worked on the Shelter of Gaston County and enrolled in a pre-nursing application with Gaston College.

That is above and past,” Davis-Brown stated. “She had an aim. She becomes centered and pushed. She was intent upon making her lifestyle higher.” approximately a hundred and twenty humans participate inside the application at a time, she said. Their participation lasts until they’ve done their goal. That point can depend on the time human beings have to be had and their degree of commitment.

Palencia said she lacked a help device growing up. But with the attention she acquired from YouthWorks case manager Tammy McIntyre, she located the encouragement to similarly her education. Her University classes start in January; however, proper now, she’s thinking again while she typical her award in October.