EL SEGUNDO HERALD July 16, 2015 Page 7 Lizzy Garland from page 6 like Liz who standout in so many ways besides being a ball player.” Lizzy’s work ethic was evident as she became the starting third baseman for the Lady Eagles and helped her team advance to the playoffs all four years. She was a two time All-Pioneer League selection and made the All-South Bay team her senior year. She helped the Eagles to the CIF Southern Section finals in 2007 where she led the team in hitting with a .500 batting average. In her senior year Lizzy was a driving force on a team that reached the CIF-SS semi-finals and was within a pitch of reaching the finals again. Though Lizzy was heartbroken after the loss she consoled her teammates. “That was Lizzy, making others feel better even when she was down,” said Cameron Lizzy had many goals and dreams and one was to play softball at Baylor University and play on an Olympic team. She wound up on the Cal Baptist University team which won the 2009 NAIA National Championship. It is believed the onset of her illness caused her to redshirt her first year. Despite not being able to play on doctor’s orders, she never missed a practice or the 5:30am conditioning workouts. During her redshirt season she could not run, throw or hit a ball...nothing to cause a grunt or stress on her body. During her exit interview after the season her coach, Mike Smith, now at Ole’ Miss, said, “Lizzy, I don’t think you realize how important you were and the inspiration you were to all of us, in winning the National Championship.” When Lizzy was cleared to play in the summer of 2009 and before it was discovered she had a tumor and needed immediate surgery, she played in the 2009 ASA Class A Women’s Fast-Pitch National Championships. She played brilliantly as if she were given one final chance to play the game she had a passion for. She excelled against some of the country’s top players and made the All- Tournament First Team after hitting over 600. Lizzy’s competitiveness continued after her playing days and she was a fighter throughout her illness and up until the end. During this time she focused on getting better but also on comforting those around her who were worried about her health. She had always been one with faith but her illness took her to a different level spiritually. Lizzy made those around her laugh, smile and wanting more of her time. The family traveled to different hospitals See Lizzy Garland, page 17 Lizzy and Heather White prior to the CIF finals in 2007. At the 2015 El Segundo High School Softball Banquet, the “Lizzy Garland Most Inspirational Trophy” was awarded to Monique Benjamin and $1,000 Lizzy Garland Scholarships to the following graduated seniors (L-R): Kaitlin Covington (Willimette University, Or.), Katherine Burner (San Francisco State), Shannon Brooker (Marymount College, Calif.), and Rhianna Rich (Harvard). Each possess strong character qualities and are outstanding teammates, all which honor the memory of Elizabeth “Lizzy” Garland (1990-2013). SOUTH BAY WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD ASSISTS JOB SEEKERS, EMPLOYERS AND YOUTH THROUGH GOVERNMENT-FUNDED PROGRAMS For more than 30 years, the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB) has administered employment and training programs for LA County’s South Bay Area. Within the 11 cities serviced (Carson, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Inglewood, Lawndale, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Lomita and Torrance), the SBWIB accomplishes its goals through partnerships with local committees handling business and economic development, One-Stop locations, performance and evaluation, as well as a Youth Development Council. Through workforce investment funds, the SBWIB offers dislocated workers with free training programs and job-searching resources. Job-searching equipment, as well as seminars, workshops and job placement assistance are available at the four One-Stop Business & Career Centers (Gardena, Inglewood, Carson and Torrance – effective 7/14/15). The SBWIB assists businesses through an innovative Rapid Response Program geared towards layoff aversion. Parker Hannifin Corporation’s Carson facility is a recent success story. An initial meeting revealed that nearly 60 employees lacked sufficient English skills and were facing potential layoff. A layoff aversion plan was formulated that resulted in the SBWIB approaching a local adult school partner to assess the employees’ English skill levels and set up on-site training. Since September, the affected employees have been attending Business English classes three days a week with several of those individuals now being considered for promotions. Recruitment assistance, pre-screening of applicants, On-The-Job training and Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) are other programs available to local companies and small businesses. The SBWIB also prepares youth for entry into the workforce by emphasizing education and services that promote relevant workplace skills and experiences leading to industry-recognized credentials and career pathway employment, including apprenticeships. Special emphasis is aimed at the reengagement of disconnected youth through intervention and prevention services. The SBWIB is one of the highest performing Workforce Investment Boards (WIB) in the state and is often recognized by the California Workforce Investment Board (CWIB) for its achievements. Continuous collaborations with business, economic development, education, government, labor and community organizations, helps the SBWIB provide a dynamic, efficient and effective workforce development system, ensuring a skilled workforce and vibrant economy in the South Bay Area. For more information please call: 310-970-7700. www.sbwib.org • www.southbay1stop.org On Senior Night, Lizzy poses with her dad (John) and mother (Gloria) STARS & STRIPES A M E R I C A N M A D E C L O T H I N G S T O R E COME CHECK US OUT! 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