Celebrating New Beginnings: NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg Honors 14 Graduates at Merrill Creek Reservoir
Phillipsburg, NJ — The NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg proudly celebrated the achievements of fourteen young men and women who earned their high school diplomas during a moving graduation ceremony held Thursday, October 23, 2025, at the picturesque Merrill Creek Reservoir.
Family members, local leaders, and program staff gathered to cheer on the Class of 2025 and reflect on the Corps’ mission—to provide young adults ages 16–25 with opportunities to earn their diploma while developing valuable life skills, gaining work experience, and serving their community.
This year’s venue was especially meaningful. Over the past year, Corpsmembers have spent countless hours at Merrill Creek, giving back to the community through conservation and restoration projects that protect the land and water for all to enjoy. From trail maintenance and habitat restoration to environmental education and stewardship, their hands-on work has left a lasting impact—making the site a fitting and heartfelt place to celebrate their accomplishments.
Video of images of all graduates during their terms with NJYC.
“These graduates have worked hard, not only in the classroom but in service to their community and environment,” said Michael Muckle, Program Director of the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg. “Merrill Creek represents both the beauty of what they’ve helped preserve and the strength of what they’ve built within themselves. We couldn’t imagine a better place to honor their journey.”
“You’re smarter, more resilient and more determined than ever. The NJYC didn’t just help us get our diploma ,it helped us regain our futures.””
Graduate and Class Salutatorian John Foose was reflective, appreciative and encouraging in his address to the audience. “To my fellow grads, look around; every face you see here today tells a totally different story of perseverance. We all come from entirely different backgrounds but we all have made a choice to keep moving ahead in life. You are not completely the same person …you're smarter, more resilient and more determined than ever. The NJYC didn't just help us get our diplomas,it helped us regain our futures.”
Over the course of each Corpsmembers 16-week cohort, they engage in the educational and metaphorical work of conservation, specifically in the area of habitat creation and restoration. For the NJYCP, they have focused on Monarch butterflies; a theme that is easily accessible and demonstrable. Corpsmembers harvest and then germinate milkweed seeds to grow and then transplant. Being its host plant, milkweed is essential for the Monarch's survival.
They also will utilize an observation habitat to closely monitor caterpillars as they form their chrysalis and transform to take flight. NJYCP Instructor Thea Muckle said “What we grew was not just some milkweed plants intended to give this beautiful and unique pollinating species a chance. What also grew was our corpsmembers confidence in knowing that they invested in their future; not just by making a difference in the monarch’s habitat, but in themselves- learning the academic and vocational skills that are just the beginning of their journey.”
For many Corpsmembers, the ceremony represented more than a diploma—it symbolized perseverance, growth, and new beginnings. Class Valedictorian Larry Au, Jr. said in his speech “Before enrolling in the class, I was kinda lost. I didn't know what I was going to make of myself, as I'm sure some of you can relate. We all worked very hard to be here… It's what you make with what you have that changes the outcome of your life. Push yourself to work harder and push past the difficulties life throws at you. Just because you feel alone, doesn't necessarily mean you are. When I first came to the Youth Corps, I was scared and nervous. I didn't know what to expect. But with time, and the right people, I felt welcomed and accepted… The people I've met here led me to believe there is hope, and there are opportunities for all of us to grow and change. You don't have to be anything for anyone but yourself.”
“I got my diploma with the support and love of my family and my Youth Corps family.”
One graduate’s story was one that took over a decade to come to fruition. Alissa Griffin, a Corpsmember from 2014, wasn't successful when she first took her exams - “I thought that I didn't need my high school diploma, that it meant nothing, and I could get by in life just fine without it. In the 11 years since I have left the Youth Corps, I had two beautiful girls, fell in love and got a supervisor position with the company that I have been with for 10 years. Fast forward to the beginning of September of this year. I started to feel stuck. I needed to make changes for myself and my family. Today is a celebration- a celebration of perseverance, of courage, and of Second Chances. I got my diploma with the support and love of my family and my Youth Corps family. With the completion of this step, I now anxiously, but excitedly, begin my new journey- college, more classes, more goals and more dreaded tests, but I know I can do it-one step at a time.”
Community partners who have supported the Corps throughout the year were also on hand to celebrate. “The NJ Youth Corps has been an incredible partner to Merrill Creek,” said John Parke, Environmental Specialist at Merrill Creek Reservoir. “Their energy and commitment to conservation have made a real difference here. Seeing them graduate in the very place they’ve served feels like the perfect full circle.”
As the graduates look ahead to new opportunities, their contributions to both the Phillipsburg community and the natural spaces they’ve helped preserve will continue to inspire others to learn, serve, and grow.
NJYC of Phillipsburg is accepting applications for the program. A new cohort begins on Monday November 3rd, 2025 and there are still available seats in that class! Text GOALS to 908-859-2969 to begin learning about us. Apply today! www.njycphillipsburg.com/apply-now
About the New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg:
The New Jersey Youth Corps of Phillipsburg offers young adults ages 16 to 25 a fresh start and a path forward. Whether you’re looking to earn your high school diploma, gain job experience, or make a difference in your community, the Corps provides the support and opportunities to help you get there.
At the Phillipsburg Corps, learning goes beyond the classroom. Corpsmembers spend their days combining education with meaningful hands-on service projects—restoring local parks, improving community spaces, and helping the environment thrive. Along the way, they build teamwork, leadership, and life skills that last well beyond graduation.
Every member’s journey is guided by dedicated staff who believe in second chances and the power of service to transform lives. The NJ Youth Corps isn’t just about earning a diploma—it’s about discovering your strengths, setting new goals, and finding your place in the community.
The NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg is funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, helping young people build brighter futures for themselves and stronger communities for everyone.
To learn more or to apply
text GOALS to 908-859-2969
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