Bright futures ahead
Project SEARCH's 2023 graduating class celebrates commencement Wednesday at Midtown Meeting Center in Coeur d'Alene. In the front row, Miriam Northrup, left, and Lori Ann Macklin give four thumbs up. Back row, from left: Instructor Theresa Moran; graduating interns Ben Longpre, Ricky Starr, Mason McCarthy, Cameron Gandy, Israel Ault and Ivey Bove; and instructor Abbie Waters.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
A proud mama snaps a photo Wednesday as Project SEARCH graduate Ben Longpre receives his certificate of completion. From left: Abbie Waters and Theresa Moran, Longpre and Skip Peterson.
Lori Ann Macklin, left, and Miriam Northrup share a happy moment as a speaker discusses Northrup's nickname at work for her speed, "The Flash," Wednesday evening during the 2023 Project SEARCH graduation ceremony.
2023 Project SEARCH graduate Ricky Starr, left, welcomes incoming Project SEARCH intern Kaden Peterson at the end of the commencement ceremony Wednesday in Coeur d'Alene. Eight interns graduated from the high school transition program this year, five of whom have already been hired by local companies.
The world is their oyster.
A lively crew of eight young adults were celebrated Wednesday as the 13th graduating class of Project SEARCH.
Among the grads was peppy 2022 Coeur d'Alene High School grad Miriam Northrup, aka "The Flash."
"I can do the job really quickly," Northrup told The Press over the phone Tuesday, ahead of Wednesday's graduation ceremony.
Northrup had some work experience in school nutrition and housekeeping before she joined Project SEARCH. Now that she has been through three rotations of different jobs through the high school transition program, she's ready to take on anything.
"The graduation really changes my life. I just want to do something new," Northrup said. "It’s been helping me a lot."
Her dad, Chuck Northrup, said his daughter learned through Project SEARCH how to take her time and ask for help when she needs it, as well as how to fill out applications, configure schedules and communicate with others. He said every high school grad should experience a Project SEARCH.
"There’s a seriousness about what employers are looking for and what makes good employees," he said. "I think everyone could benefit from that."
After working as an intern at Kootenai Health, Miriam Northrup was proud to say she has been hired to work in the hospital's environmental services department, and she even planned a party in her back yard after the graduation festivities.
"Sometimes we have to keep up with Miriam, that’s for sure," her dad said with a chuckle.
With high fives, knuckle bumps and nothing but love and support for each other, interns of the 2023 Project SEARCH graduating class gave presentations and shared their experiences and hopes for the future with a packed room in the Coeur d'Alene School District's Midtown Meeting Center.
Five of this year's graduates, including Miriam Northrup, have already been hired by local businesses and companies. Cameron Gandy added humor to his presentation as he announced he has been hired to work in Kootenai Health's hospitality services. Ricky Starr now works at Mongolian Barbecue as a dishwasher, with hopes of being a cook. Ben Longpre landed a job at EntertainMart, which brings him immense joy. Lori Ann Macklin is now employed by the Culinary Stone, where she is expanding her hospitality and food service skills.
"Project SEARCH has taught me I always need to remember to be professional," Starr said. "It also has taught me to speak up for myself, no matter what. I've also learned to respect other people's personal space, how to be honest and show integrity."
Led by dedicated co-instructors Theresa Moran and Abbie Waters, SEARCH helps those with intellectual and developmental disabilities transition into the workforce. Its partners include the school district, Kootenai Health and the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Community members and business mentors also provide valuable support and friendship for interns as they go through rotations of different jobs, which may include food services, groundskeeping, custodial work, clerical positions and more.
Frank Maier, special education director for the Coeur d'Alene School District, said the students put in a lot of hard work as they dedicate a full year to gain skills necessary for success in life.
"Of course, it's never easy. There are always some bumps in the road," he said. "But, they have persevered and have learned how to navigate these bumps."
He thanked grads' families and friends for support and encouragement, as well as community partners for opening doors to interns so they may learn and grow.
"After today, I want all you graduates to remember and treasure this experience and wear it as a badge of courage," he said. "You've earned it. We trust in whatever that you choose, you will continue to create these opportunities for yourselves."
