Today is a day
that David Ibarra will never forget.  His
dream finally came true as he took his adorable 3½ year old son,
“Baby David,” to Disney World.  David was
announced as the winner of JobTrain’s “Where I Want to Fly and Why” contest at
JobTrain’s 28th annual Breakfast of Champions, presented by Facebook
on May 4, 2012.  It was an inspirational
celebration of the amazing achievements of JobTrain students.  More than 800 enthusiastic guests filled Santa
Clara Convention Center’s Mission Ballroom.
When JobTrain
Executive Director Sharon Williams read an excerpt from David’s essay, tears
began to flow.  David is a single father raising
his son, and both have endured incredible hardship.  David’s dream has been to take his son to
Disney World.
Writing about
his efforts to help his son in infancy, David said,“ I had to spend hours
massaging and molding his head with my hands each day, trying to reshape his
little head.”
David’s son was
14 months old before he attempted to crawl, and when he finally spoke his first
word at age 2 it was “raton” (Spanish for “mouse”) because he so loved Mickey
Mouse.  United Airlines sponsors the
annual essay contest.  This year Customer
Care Supervisor Kathy Shelley and Customer Service Representative Laurie
Scribner served on the essay selection committee at JobTrain.  “David’s story moved us,” said Kathy.  “His life wasn’t easy, but he’s pulled
through and wants to make a better life for his son.  His attitude is inspiring.”
On September
11, 2012, David and his son flew to Orlando, Florida, compliments of United
Airlines.  They’re currently enjoying
lodging accommodations and Disney World park passes through a United Airlines
partner, Air Serv Corporation.  Stay
tuned for pictures from their exciting adventure! 
From left to right: United
Airlines representative Kathy Shelley, JobTrain Graduate David Ibarra along
with son & Laurie Scribner.