Berkeley County School District is well into graduation season, but there is one particular graduation ceremony that deserves an extra round of applause.
Project SEARCH is an annual program made possible through a partnership between the district, the county and South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation. The program prepares young people with special needs for success in employment opportunities.
Throughout this past school year, four high school students worked in various departments at Berkeley County Government and develop skills and training to prepare them for future jobs.
BCSD is excited to recognize the Project SEARCH class of 2024: Adam McQueary and Jaxx Noel from Cane Bay High; NiLay Washington from Goose Creek High; and Madison Wilder from Hanahan High. These students were joined by family members and district and county officials on Thursday morning for a graduation ceremony held at Berkeley County’s Administrative Building in Moncks Corner. VIEW PHOTOS.
Berkeley County Supervisor Johnny Crib said this is an event many county officials look forward to every year, and thanked everyone involved in the ongoing collaboration.
“I want to congratulate and thank the graduates,” he said, adding, “Hopefully you’ve learned a lot of valuable skills. You’ve made a tremendous impact on the staff and done some really good work while you were here.”
BCSD Deputy Superintendent Dr. Karen Whitley said not only did the students learn essential job skills, but built confidence as well – a necessary trait to navigate the workforce.
“Each of them has shown an unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth – a testament to the power of this project,” she said, adding that Project SEARCH is a bridge toward empowerment and independence. “(Their) journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved with hard work and supportive communities.”