Project SEARCH celebrated the graduation of seven interns this week, marking another successful year of the school-to-work internship initiative. Aiden Camp, Savannah Langlitz, Meghan Lexa, Alex Martinez, Terran McCoy-Shafer, Russell Paquin, and Hayden West were among the graduates who interned at the City of Farmington, Home 2 Suites, and Farmington Municipal Schools this year.
Project SEARCH combines real-life work experience with training in professional and independent-living skills.
The graduation ceremony, held at the Farmington Civic Center, was attended by approximately 100 guests, including the interns' families and FMS staff. Board President Stephanie Thompson and Board Secretary Andra Stradling also attended to show their support for the graduates.
Project SEARCH is already preparing for its next session, with Elliana Chavez (Aztec), Tyler Charley (Aztec), William "Kris" Flack (FHS), Andrew Austin (FHS), Jamie Parsons (FHS), Tyler Gutierrez (FHS), Christina Garcia (PVHS), and Elise Sterns (PVHS) confirmed as incoming interns. The program looks forward to helping the group develop the skills needed to succeed in their future careers.
“I want to thank our community and the business partners that open their doors to Project SEARCH. We wouldn’t be able to do this without them. Students, Aiden, Savannah, Meghan, Alex, Terran, Russell, and Hayden, I want to thank you, no matter what day of the week or no matter the time of the day your outlook is always positive, and energizing. You’ve given me way more than I’ve given you. When I see you in our offices or schools, no matter how bad the day is, you make it better. As you take the next step, I challenge you to keep the same positive outlook and enthusiasm as you move forward. The doors of FMS are always going to be open to you. I look forward to what’s next for you,” said Superintendent Cody Diehl.
Meghan Lexa, a graduate of Project Search, expresses her heartfelt gratitude to the program's business partners while providing an overview of the program.
“The Board President, Stephanie Thompson, and I got to spend time with Terran, Russell, Savannah, and Alex at their rotation jobs. I began by asking them for one word that describes Project Search for them and I want to spend a little bit of time telling you what those words were. Terran’s word was ‘relationships.’ Russell said his word was ‘amazing.’ Savannah’s word was ‘finished.’ Alex’s word was ‘happy.’ Meghan’s word was ‘challenging.’ Aiden’s word was ‘incredible.’ And Hayden’s word was ‘easy,’ but he’s responsible for the phrase ‘that’s a fact.’ To all you graduates, keep working on those words. Relations matter, make moments that are amazing, and complete the things that you start. If you laugh the world will laugh with you, don’t quit, don’t give up, make things memorable, and find what you are good at, that way you’ll continue to celebrate. Congratulations,” said Board of Education Vice President, Keith Corley.
Aiden Camp, a graduate of Project Search, shares his insights into his involvement with Farmington Electric Utility, Sycamore Park Community Center, and Mesa Verde Elementary School. During his discussion, Aiden sheds light on the transformative experiences he gained through these placements.
Hayden West, another accomplished graduate of Project Search, takes the stage to tell the audience about his experiences with fellow interns and their collective journey. Hayden shares his perspective on the invaluable learning experiences they shared during their time together.
“At each of the work sites the interns have a mentor, they are the go-to person and they make the interns feel like part of those departments. We’ve had fourteen different departments and businesses and Project SEARCH would be impossible without the support of the employees at the interning sites. Thank you all so much. I want to also thank our skills trainers Mark Pavlik and Rachel Wells. And thank you to all of you who have supported us for the past five years,” said Chelsea Chairion, Instructor and Program Manager at Project SEARCH.
Top Photo: During the ceremony, Chelsea Chairion, Instructor and Program Manager at Project SEARCH, proudly presents the well-deserved 2023 Intern of the Year Award to Russell Paquin, recognizing his exceptional achievements and contributions.