NATCHEZ — Before joining the Natchez Youth Build program, Chastity Washington had no direction.

“I used to sit around on my porch and wonder what I was going to do with my life,” Washington said.

Washington and the other 11 program participants at Friday’s graduation ceremony at the Adams County Extension building were high school dropouts when they entered the program.

Roderic Champs was grateful to Youth Build for helping put him on the right track, he said.

“I’ve lost a lot of friends from dying and going to jail,” Champs said.

The program designed to train and educate high school dropouts gave participants work experience, leadership skills and certifications in construction, first aid and CPR.

What meant the most to many of the graduates, they said, was the opportunity for a second chance.

“It’s truly a blessing that you have someone who didn’t give up on you,” graduate Erica Letcher said of the program leaders and participants.

Washington said she now plans to use the motivation, skills and certifications she received at Youth Build to work toward a career as a pediatric nurse.

She will earn her GED after taking one more part of the exam, Washington said.

Washington also said she gained social skills by meeting different people through Youth Build.

“I learned how to talk to people,” Washington said.

Champs has earned his GED since entering Youth build last April and served as the class representative for his graduating class.

“We came a long way,” Champs said.

Champs addressed the Youth Build Construction Manager, John “Sparky” Evans, who guided the class on their certifications and construction activities.

“Thanks for giving me a new trade,” Champs said.

Graduation guest speaker Pastor K.E. Stanton spoke to the graduates about how to live their lives.

“It has nothing to do with your race, age — nothing to do with your environment, it has to do only with you and your creator,” Stanton said.

The way one presents oneself will always be noted by the world, Stanton said.

Regardless of what a resume reads, Stanton said, someone who has sagging pants or a hanging head will be looked over for a job.

“Present yourself like you like yourself and others will accept you,” he said. “You have to present yourself as a person of means and purpose.”

Stanton said the graduates should also know that God is always watching how they present themselves when others are not.

“I don’t care how dark you make the room, God sees you,” he said.

Darlene Jones, who helped bring Youth Build to Natchez, said the City of Natchez will hopefully receive another grant to continue with the Youth Build program.

“I’m keeping my prayers going up and my fingers crossed,” she said.

“I’m just so proud of the (graduates) and I believe they will all be successful.