 |
| On Thursday, June 1, a graduation ceremony was held at Harris Regional Hospital for the interns of Project SEARCH. Pictured are from left to right: Thomas Smith, Cherokee; Elliott Jacques, Sylva; Lisa Skiver, Bryson City; Charlotte Hill, Whittier; and Ned Baddy, Cullowhee. |
Sitting at the graduation ceremony for Southwestern Community College’s Project SEARCH program, you couldn't help but catch the contagious smile that was across all four of the interns’ beaming faces as they walked down the aisle to the traditional graduation procession, and again as they all danced at the end of the ceremony to one of their favorite songs.
“This was a strong group of interns who came into the program with specific goals and dreams, and the program helped solidify the steps they needed to take to reach those goals," said Devonne Jimison, Project SEARCH coordinator and instructor.
This program allows students with a vast range of disabilities to transition from school into a work environment.
The four interns, along with Ned Baddy of Cullowhee who completed two internships and moved into supported employment, have worked very hard and overcome many obstacles to get where they are now.
Furman Smith, father of intern Thomas Smith of Cherokee, spoke about how Project SEARCH had given them hope for their son’s future when they were told it would be bleak.
Katherine Lancaster, a 2016 graduate of Project SEARCH, served as the keynote speaker and spoke about Project SEARCH giving her confidence in herself and how much she loves her job at Bogart's in Sylva.
“The graduates now have transferable skills they learned throughout the year that would make them valuable employees within our 3 county area,” said Jimison. “The skills include stocking, janitorial, kitchen work and prep, dish washing, patient aide and customer service skills.”
For businesses interested in interviewing one of the interns, or for more information about Project SEARCH, contact Jimison at 828.339.4486 ordevonnej@southwesterncc.edu.
