Luis Aragon-Zaring

It’s the staff and excursions that left an impression on Luis Aragon-Zaring during his two years in Goodman Community Center programming. Staff were open hearted to everything he was doing as he remembers Iliza and departed staff Shantrice, Chynna, Myquisha and Bri.

One of his favorite moments was a trip to Devil’s Lake State Park where he and others rode on the tow truck after their bus tire blew out.

“I’m going to take all of the friendships and life lessons I’ve learned here to just be myself,” Aragon-Zaring said.
His next step after Madison East is to become a registered nurse. Aragon-Zaring already has a certified nursing assistant license and will use a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin to become an RN.

Jaydon Courtney

One thing Jaydon Courtney learned from his one year in Goodman Community Center programming is how to cook — not only for employment but also for his family.

Courtney also improved his communications skills and his ability to get along with others, as well as the learning how to cook, during his time with Goodman.

One of his favorite memories at Goodman is a field trip to Devil’s Lake State Park where he and all his friends went swimming.
Courtney graduated a semester early from Madison East and is planning to take classes at Madison Area Technical College so he can enter the plumbing trade.

Sakir Kone

Learning to cook at Goodman Community Center has been memorable to Sakir Kone.
“I’ve learned how to cook new dishes and basic cooking skills like cutting vegetables and meat,” Kone said.

Some of his favorite dishes from Goodman were chicken empanadas, quesadillas and burgers. One meal stands out though.
“Last year, during the summer, we made really good tacos and got to eat them afterward with everyone,” Kone said.

After graduation from Madison East, Kone plans to take classes at Madison Area Technical College for two years, then possibly transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He also expects to get a part-time job during college.

The skills Kone learned from Goodman — especially the skill of collaboration — will help him land a position possibly in the restaurant or customer service field.

Sena Pollock

For Sena Pollock, Goodman Community Center has been a part of her life for a long time. Her dad, Keith, has been associated with GCC for years, and through her own association (over five years), she has picked up a few things.

“I will take my experiences working with people who really care about contributing to their community and with people who are different from me and my homeschool friends,” Pollock said.

She has also learned about goal setting, food safety, time management and the all important, carrying a tray of plates without dropping them. Pollock plans to go to college to major in botany, possibly at the University of Wisconsin.

One of her favorite memories? Gardening in general, but especially with Howard (Hayes) in the middle school summer program.

Soljin Vincent

Soljin Vincent intends to follow a career path in the culinary arts. After graduating from the Early STEM Academy (a partnership between the school district and Madison Area Technical College), he plans to go to MATC.

Working in Goodman Community Center’s TEENworks program, Vincent spent much of his time in the catering kitchen.

“I learned a ton of valuable culinary skills I’ll take with me to my culinary classes after I leave Goodman,” he said. “One of my favorite GCC memories is definitely talking to all the inspirational figures and hospitality staff in the kitchen mid or after shift.

“Whether it was funny moments or heartfelt talks, they all meant so much to me. Thanks to Goodman, I was able to make money to do the things I loved.”

Gwenna Wetzel

Goodman Community Center provided Gwenna Wetzel a space where she could meet new people and become more confident. She was very active with the hospitality team, the youth evaluations team and the Fit Youth Inititive over the last four years.

GCC staff describe her as a kind, free-spirit teen, who is dependable, fearless, a quick learner, willing to try new things and mature for her age.
Wetzel was home schooled and graduated a semester early. She is close with her family — her sister Naomi was also in Gooodman programs — and is a great dancer.

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