September泭30, 2020泭
Story泭and photo泭by Joe泭Vinduska
91勛圖厙 Welding Instructor Josh Snodgrass泭has been泭recognized by泭the Kansas Department of Corrections as the 2019 Contract Employee of the Year泭for his exemplary泭performance泭teaching泭incarcerated individuals泭at泭the泭Larned泭Correctional Mental Health Facility (LCMHF).泭Local awards are designated per facility, and泭awardees are in the running for a state-level award to be determined by the Kansas Department of泭Corrections.泭
Snodgrass says he takes personal pride in his work because it has an impact on not only his students but on the泭communities泭to which they return.泭
泭
It feels great to be acknowledged for all泭the work Ive put into the泭Larned泭Welding Program, he said. Educating these men is important to me for a few reasons. It reduces recidivism,泭which helps the student lead a productive life and keeps the community safe. Another reason would be that most of these guys have come from challenging circumstances and backgrounds.泭 To be able to give them a second chance and a better shot at a quality life when they return to the community is truly a rewarding experience.泭
泭
Snodgrass said he also emphasizes other skills in his classes besides the technical aspects.泭泭
泭
My students need to泭learn what it takes to be a successful employee for a Welding business after incarceration, he said. Having the skill泭is obviously important in obtaining a泭job, but泭learning泭other泭essential泭skills will make them more successful in maintaining employment.泭
泭
91勛圖厙 Coordinator of Correctional Education Services Chris Baker said Josh is very deserving of the award and his previous work as a correctional officer makes him even more able to relate to his students.泭泭
泭
Josh is a willing, and hard worker that aims to complete each task to the best of his ability泭and泭has a tremendous amount of泭welding knowledge that he is eager to share with his students, he said.泭泭He has demonstrated the ability to hold his students accountable on what it means to be a good student and future employee, as well as maintaining a safe work area.泭 If you were to enter Joshs Welding shop you would be amazed at the cleanliness and organization that you would observe.泭 Every day the students have a clear understanding of the assignment and expectation on how to complete the necessary work.泭
泭
For more information,泭Coordinator of Correctional Education Services Chris Baker at (620) 792-9244 or泭bakerc@bartonccc.edu.泭泭