Using a system of supports, Johnny Brummit, a 2018 Jones High School graduate, was a guest speaker at the Pledge to America’s Workers one year celebration event, July 25, at the White House.
Brummit thanked President Donald Trump, the Second Harvest Food Bank, the American Hotel and Lodging Association and Ivanka Trump for their commitment to America’s workers, especially him.
As a teenager, Brummit made choices that led him to spend time at the Juvenile Detention Center; however, with his grandmother’s love and guidance he decided to get focused and to pursue a cooking career.
After high school, Brummit attended the Second Harvest’s 16-week Culinary Training Program and graduated from it in January 2019. This no-cost program taught him the skills needed to earn an entry-level position in a food-service establishment. In addition to teaching knife skills and food safety and sanitation, he also learned appropriate work behaviors, interviewing skills and resume writing.
“Second Harvest taught me that I don’t need permission to succeed,” said Johnny. “When I walk into a kitchen now, I tell myself, ‘I can do this’.”
Brummit has been working at Aloft Hotel in Downtown Orlando as a breakfast prep cook since February and recently received a promotion. He said he knows this just the start of a successful career.