Blount County Schools on Thursday, March 28, celebrated the ninth class of graduates from the Project SEARCH job training program, as well as the village that has made the program a success, again transitioning every student into a paid job.
The three students, their families, educators, job coaches, business partners, elected officials, and even the bus driver — who took one to a job assignment on a Sunday — celebrated in the BCS Central Office with a ceremony that included caps and gowns.
To date, all 46 BCS students who have completed the program have gone on to paid employment, a particularly notable achievement for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. All five from the first Blount County Project SEARCH class in 2016 are still employed today, three in their original worksite, according to the program’s instructor Tammy Hearon.
Earlier this month the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the highest rate of employment for people with disabilities since it began reporting the data in 2008. Hearon credited not only training programs such as Project SEARCH but also businesses recognizing that people with disabilities make great employees.
A for attitude
“It’s been a roller coaster ride, but I’m not a giver-upper,” student Halli Elliott said to applause during the ceremony.
William Blount High School Principal Rob Clark recalled that at the end of Halli’s junior year she wasn’t sure she wanted to join the program; she just wanted to get out of school.
“What’s ironic is through Project SEARCH she has earned employment with William Blount High School,” Clark said to laughter. “So she’s going to be with us a while longer.”
Halli’s mother, Kristi Elliott, called the program “the best thing ever.”
“It’s gotten her out in the community,” she said of her daughter.
She’s able to work and make her own money and make friends.”
“I’ve seen her grow and develop a lot,” said Halli’s father, Rodney Elliott.
Like all of this year’s graduates, and many from previous years, Halli will work in a BCS cafeteria.
BCS School Nutrition Coordinator Karen Helton said, “They have great work ethics. They have such positive attitudes.” Two of the original Project SEARCH graduates are still working in the same cafeterias where they were first hired in 2016.
Another student from William Blount this year, John Thorne has been hired to work in the Union Grove Middle School cafeteria.
Heritage High’s Cassondra Hilliard thanked her teachers, job coaches and family during the ceremony, and she will be working at the Heritage Middle School cafeteria.
HHS Assistant Principal Jeff Reeves lauded Project SEARCH, saying, “We love what they offer our kids and what it brings to our community.”
The program focuses not only on job training but also independent living skills, from budgeting to being safe online.
Long-term jobs
Metz Culinary Management has been a partner with Project SEARCH from the beginning and has hired eight graduates over the years to work in the Maryville College dining hall. A member from the first class is 2016 still works for General Manager James Dulin, and some others have moved on to other employers, such as Lowe’s.
“I never mind somebody taking a step up,” Dulin said.
Students this year had worksite training both through Metz and the Airport Hilton, which also hosted their classroom training. BCS honored the hotel’s general manager, Hamilton Martinez, with an award. Three Hilton employees received it on his behalf, Devin Proffitt, Alex Squires and Brittany McLeod.
At a school board meeting this year WBHS head custodian Ronnie Burchfield also was recognized for his support of the job training program.
Agencies such as Vocational Rehabilitation and The Access Academy also work with the students during their training.
This year BCS Project SEARCH also had an intern from Lincoln Memorial University who is earning a doctorate in occupational therapy. Rachael Oakes worked with the students on physical activity and mental health, including learning how to ask for help.
On behalf of Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell, county commissioners John Giles and Ron French gave each of the graduates a pin with the county seal. Giles noted that education is at the top of the seal and quipped that with their earnings they will pay taxes, which helps the county pay its bills.
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