The six students who completed Project SEARCH in May 2009 beamed with pride as they were honored for their accomplishments at a ceremony held May 29. The Warren County Career Center’s program at Otterbein Lebanon gives students with disabilities in their last year of high school eligibility the opportunity to learn job and employability skills.

 

“Project SEARCH is all about relationships,” coordinator Sandy Hempel said. “Our students, parents, the volunteers, Otterbein staff and residents, the Warren County Career Center and our partner school districts all work together. We could not be here without the residents’ support. Thank you for allowing us into your home.”

 

Jason Miller, Otterbein Vice President, said that although he is new to Otterbein Lebanon, he has had the opportunity to see firsthand the benefits of the program. “This program really benefits the students, but it also has so much benefit for Otterbein. I have seen teamwork, support, laughter, teaching, discipline, work ethic, friendships and caring. There is such a sense of family between the partners and the students.”

 

Mr. Miller outlined a few qualities he had learned about each of the students. “Chelsea Johnson, you collected five tons of paper to recycle. Seth LeVangie, you love to learn new skills. Clayton Toedtman, you have a great sense of humor. April McElroy, I was fortunate enough to do a practice interview with you and I learned that you have a passion for helping people, and you are always positive. Kayla Suttles, you are silently productive and efficient. Amanda Hasty, I have heard that you are like ‘Chatty Cathy’ – and that is a good thing in life.”

 

He reminded the students that they will always be a part of the Otterbein family and he gave them four pieces of advice: be passionate about life, believe in yourself, honor the love for what you do, and never give up.

 

Maggie Hess, WCCC Superintendent, had the students stand for applause by the many family members, friends, staff and residents in the audience. “Project SEARCH makes us see the possibilities and celebrate what is right with the world,” she said. “We are celebrating the achievements of the six young adults on this stage tonight.”

 

Otterbein staff members spoke about students they worked with and supervised. Jackie Jeffers said that Amanda “took care of all the little things in the dining room and was very dedicated to that task. She was always willing to help. If we forgot something, she would remind us.”

 

Job coach Bob Grey said that Chelsea was a little shy at first and was not sure after the first few days if she wanted to continue in the program. “We are really glad she came back and became friends with us,” he said. “I was impressed with her efficiency and her amazing work ethic.” The work experience ended well for Chelsea, as she is now employed at Otterbein.

 

Curt Dew said that Seth picked up data entry and program skills so quickly that they struggled to keep him busy. “Seth has exceptional data entry skills and I am sure that any task given to you, you can do,” he told Seth.

 

Elizabeth Morgan said that April related well to the residents and enjoyed activities with them. “The residents appreciated April because she knew them by name,” she said. “April quickly took over the favorite activity – Bingo – and also loved handing out coffee and donuts. She greeted each person by name and knew what kind of donut they liked and if they took cream or sugar in their coffee.”

 

Angela Gay said that at first she was uncertain how Kayla would work out in the department because she is nonverbal. “I gave her some tasks, and before I knew it, she was done with them,” she said. “She began writing me little notes and smiley faces. We did a lot of laughing. She was a big help pulling charts, putting together information for new residents and packets for new hires. Kayla was very good at alphabetizing everything, and she is really fast.”

 

Mike Johnson started laughing with Clayton before he even began talking. The student and job supervisor joked and smiled with each other, showing an obvious friendship had developed. “Everybody looked forward to Clayton coming every day to the dietary stock room,” he said. “If anyone had a bad day, he would say something to make you laugh. We will all really miss him.”

 

At the end of the ceremony, Mrs. Hempel told the graduates that “each one of us has a masterpiece inside us. Now is your time to shine, and create your masterpiece.”