Learning Skills For Life Graduation Ceremony - September 30, 2026

Oct 6

1 min read

On September 30, the Washington Literacy Center celebrated 51 graduates from Cohorts 12, 13, and 14 of Learning Skills for Life, a professional bartending and workforce-readiness program sponsored by Diageo and delivered in partnership with The Professional Bartending School, Inc. The ceremony was graciously sponsored by Events DC and held at the R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center. Approximately 18 graduates attended the ceremony, while many others were unable to participate because of work commitments.

Guest speaker Shawn Townsend, President and CEO of the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, emphasized the hospitality industry’s need for qualified workers and congratulated WLC, Diageo, and The Professional Bartending School, Inc. for preparing graduates for success.

Councilmember Anita Bonds received WLC’s Community Leadership Award for her longstanding commitment to adult education and literacy. The inaugural Cheyenne Henderson Leadership Award was presented by the Henderson family to a student who demonstrated exceptional encouragement, assistance, and positive influence among classmates. The award honors Learning Skills for Life graduate Cheyenne Henderson, who passed away earlier this year.

Graduate and Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson also spoke, sharing her experience in the program and encouraging other District residents to participate.

Notable attendees included the late Talib Shakir, Director of the Mayor’s Office on Returning Citizen Affairs; Sheila Bunn, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Trayon White; and Marvin Bowser, a photographer, Ward 7 resident, and brother of Mayor Muriel Bowser. The event was also covered by The Washington Informer, providing broader visibility for the graduates and the program’s workforce-development impact.