The 'perfect 10'
Project SEARCH graduate Emily Colgrove gives her business mentor, Don Robinson, a hug during graduation Wednesday at Kootenai Health. LOREN BENOIT/Press
Project SEARCH graduate Jared Bellefeuille snaps a photo with his business mentor, Patrick King, of La Aluminum Casting Company, during graduation Wednesday at Kootenai Health. (LOREN BENOIT/Press)
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
For the first time since Project SEARCH began, every intern who started the program pushed through and graduated.
“You’re the perfect 10,” Project SEARCH instructor Theresa Moran told the 10 interns during their commencement Wednesday evening at the Kootenai Health Resource Center.
Two of the graduates had perfect attendance, and all but two secured permanent employment after showcasing their skills and abilities during this workforce learning experience.
“They committed long hours and a lot of sacrifices,” said Frank Maier, special education director for the Coeur d’Alene School District. “I wish you all good luck in the coming years, and may the years to come be good to you.”
Project SEARCH is a high school transition program that provides education and training for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They spend the school year at three rotations, working at places like Kootenai Health and the Kroc Center, where they get to know the ins and outs of working real-world jobs.
The students gave presentations about their experiences and what they learned. They offered a few real-world observations — “trash compactors are stinky” — and gave practical tips. If you work with lots of envelopes, for example. it’s a good idea to use lotion on your hands to prevent paper cuts.
“Project SEARCH taught me how to communicate better,” graduate Cody Cummins said.
Graduate Emily Colgrove gave two thumbs up as she walked to the microphone to share her experiences as a member of the program.
“Thank you to my mom and my dad,” she said. “I’m so happy to have you as parents.”
To date, 77 interns from Coeur d’Alene as well as Post Falls and Lakeland school districts have completed the North Idaho Project SEARCH program. This year’s graduates have been hired by employers including Caruso’s Sandwich Co., Shabby Fabrics and Mountain West Bank as well as the Coeur d’Alene School District.
The students had business mentors — professionals from the community — that helped them on their journeys.
“I am so proud to say you have become, as Coeur d’Alene leadership would say, ‘Best class ever,’ because all 10 of you started, all 10 of you ended, and all 10 of you will be employed,” said Frances Huffman, CEO of Tesh, one of the program’s partners.
Project SEARCH is also supported by Kootenai Health, Coeur d’Alene School District and the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.
This year, Project SEARCH received a $4,400 gift from the North Idaho Enological Society, a wine-lovers group. The funds were presented to Moran at the start of the graduation celebration.
The Project SEARCH class of 2019 was Jared Bellefeuille, Kristine Buffaloe, Emily Cosgrove, Cody Cummins, Christina Hickerson, Mailey Ingram, Aaron Leavitt, Jacob Ragsdale, Rylee Wilfong and Taylor Winant.