Grads on SEARCH for brighter future

Seven honorees, as well as their families and mentors, cheered and cried tears of joy Friday as the interns celebrated their graduation day.

The event signaled the end of three internships for each client through a nine-month program called Project SEARCH, which is sponsored by Arc of Putnam County, and open to people with disabilities. 

The program “teaches interns marketable and transferable job skills as well as crucial life and social skills so interns are able to obtain competitive employment and gain independence and confidence,” according to the Arc’s website.

The interns worked for Beck Automotive Group, Palatka Auto Spa or St. Johns River State College, the latter of which was the site of the graduation ceremony. 

Graduate John Avery said he interned at all three locations and, in the process, grew as a person and was able to be confident in himself. 

“I’m out of my comfort zone, so I learned more stuff than I did have at the time,” Avery said. 

Other graduates said they learned how to manage money and prepare for finding a job. 

Program participant Russell Washington ended his internship with a job at Palatka Auto Spa. He said Project SEARCH gave him more confidence and helped him grow. 

Graduate Lance Freeman interned for SJR State and Beck Automotive Group. Because of the program, he has developed a desire to pursue his education.

“The thing I liked about Project SEARCH is that when I entered my last rotation, they got me interested in attending college,” he said. “So, I’m hoping to possibly go there next year, the next second half of the year.”

Freeman said he learned about dress codes, how to act around people and how to spend money wisely, among other job skills. 

This year’s keynote speaker was SJR State President Joe Pickens, who congratulated the interns on their accomplishments. He said everyone questions whether to leave their comfort zone. 

He said leaving his comfort zone was the best thing that happened to him. 

Pickens congratulated the interns for believing in themselves and being strong enough to believe they could do this. 

“I don’t quote Winnie the Pooh much, but I’m quoting Winnie the Pooh today. ‘You are braver than you believe. You are stronger than you seem. You are smarter than you think,”’ Pickens said. “Be bright. Be bold. Be brave. Be beautiful. In other words, graduates, just continue to be yourself.”

The 2023 graduates are:

• John Avery
• Lance Freeman
• Debra Harper
• Jonathan Hurt
• Marilyn Lancaster
• Nasim Rolle
• Russell Washington