After 10 months working on projects across the southeast U.S., including rebuilding and recovery efforts in Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico in the wake of three hurricanes, the 24th AmeriCorps NCCC class ended its public service Thursday with ceremonies at AmeriCorps’ Vicksburg campus.

“Standing here today, I am a much stronger person than when I first stepped on this campus,” said AmeriCorps member David Beech. “I began to speak up for myself and seek opportunities. I am incredibly grateful for this experience.

“What will stick with me the most are the people; the friends I made, the girl I met and the team that became my base.”

Beech outlined projects and the work put in by the teams during the year, telling the team members and guests at the ceremony, “The effect of our 1,700 hours of service goes far beyond the (project) numbers or even the people (helped).”

Graeme Lorimer, one of the team leaders, said he will remember his team, “The people who took a year out of their lives to come to Vicksburg, Mississippi, just to help people. They inspired me to change the way I live my life; my life will never be the same for having known them, and for that I’m grateful.”

The program, he said, created in him the ability and the desire to help others.

“Today, all of you become part of a very special group; you are now lifelong members of the AmeriCorps alumni family,” said Barbara Stewart, CEO of the Corporation for National & Public Service, the federal agency over AmeriCorps and NCCC.

“You have demonstrated the power all Americans have when we work together with a common purpose to get things done,” she said. “Through your service this year, you helped fulfill the promise and shaped a future of great opportunity for all Americans.”

Stewart outlined some of the work the 127 members of the class performed during their time of public service such as helping the eldery, homeless, assisting in building homes, clearing trails, restoring cemeteries and assisting with storm recovery.

“When nature showed its worst, you showed America’s best, putting compassion into action,” she said. “Your service served the communities and helped unite our nation. You turned plans into action and good intentions into results.”

Stewart said AmeriCorps’ work was being noticed by people, adding the recent budget approved by Congress included a $2 million increase for the program, “And that is a testament to your work and your service in communities across the country.

“You’ve served your nation as an AmeriCorps integral team member,” Stewart said. “You gained valuable career skills and experience to jump start your career … also, the general skills of leadership, creativity and problem solving that every employer is looking for.

“In the years to come I hope you will continue to answer the call to service; you have the skills, knowledge and experience to be a leader in your community. We as a country need your continued commitment.”