The Year Up Tampa Bay Graduation Ceremony will be a virtual event streamed through Facebook Premiere on the Tampa Bay Facebook page below.
- The event will start promptly at 6:00 PM ET. We encourage you to open the Tampa Bay Facebook page 5-10 minutes early. The video will appear on our main Facebook page and you will not need a direct access link.
- If you follow the Tampa Bay Facebook page, you should receive a notification that we are premiering the event soon.
- You are not required to have a Facebook account to watch the premiere, though you do need to be signed into an account to set a reminder and post comments or reactions.
Graduation Program
Leadership Welcome
Kim Guy, Associate Director of Enrollment
Virtual Procession
Florine Lazard, Admissions and College Enrollment Manager
Keynote Introduction
Kevin West, Year Up Intern at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Keynote Address
Justin J. Pearson, Special Assistant to the CEO, Year Up
Awards Ceremony
Walter Joseph, Employment Placement Manager
Leigh Williams, Program Manager
Ferrisa Connell, Operations Manager
Graduate Speaker
Thai Nguyen, Year Up Intern at JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Alumni Oath
Aaliyah Grant, Year Up Graduate 2020, Tier 1 Tech Support, Valet Living
Closing Remarks
Fred Rosario, Site Director
Graduate Speakers
Kevin West
Year Up Intern at
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Thai Nguyen
Year Up Intern at
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Welcome Letter
Dear Graduates,
Congratulations! On behalf of Year Up Tampa Bay, I want to extend my gratitude and appreciation for all your hard work, we could not be more excited or proud of this accomplishment. We have witnessed your growth through our program and have never been more enthusiastic about the future—all thanks to your self-commitment.
In the span of an especially challenging year, you have mastered skills, stepped boldly into corporate environments, and contributed to your corporation and team. That takes a tremendous amount of grit and strength of character. In knowing the obstacles that many of you have overcome along the way—persisting despite difficult circumstances—we have a far deeper appreciation for your incredible potential and ability. It is this talent, skill, bravery, and creativity that fuels our own optimism, not only for your future but for the future of our community and world.
Continue to have high expectations of yourself. You are on a life-long journey of learning and growth; of doing your utmost every day. Continue to lift others as you climb and pave the way for others as we work together to close the Opportunity Divide.
We wish you the very best. It has been an honor to work with each of you. This is just the beginning and we will always be here, cheering and supporting you every step of the way! You earned this moment, so enjoy it!
Fred Rosario
Site Director
Alumni Oath
I PLEDGE that as a member of the Year Up National Alumni Association, I will continue to uphold and promote Year Up’s mission and core values. I will strive for excellence and realize my potential. I will use my time and talents to contribute to the success of Year Up, its students, and its alumni. I will take action in the movement to close the Opportunity Divide. I take this oath freely, as a promise to lift while I climb, and to be a lifelong ambassador of Year Up.
Thank You to our National Sponsors
Thank you to our National Community Partners
Copyright © 2021 Year Up, Inc.