By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — During a graduation ceremony held May 19 at the Frances Streitel Conference Center at Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Project SEARCH recognized eight individuals who participated in the one-year school-to-work program for young adults with disabilities.

Project SEARCH uses the Marshfield School District calendar to create a program that puts participants into three internships throughout the year. Many of these internships are at Saint Joseph’s or Marshfield Clinic, and others are sponsored by local businesses.

Marshfield’s Project SEARCH started in 2011. The program is a combination of on-the-job training and life lessons designed to teach participants to be self-sufficient and build their confidence.

Graduates recognized during the ceremony were:

—Alex Jensen, 19, from Pittsville High School, who will continue to work in the Marshfield Clinic Health System laundry department.

—Betsy Grell, 21, a Marathon City High School graduate, who obtained a position with McDonald’s restaurant in Marathon City

—Brittany Kraft, 19, from Edgar High School, who will continue to work in the hospital emergency room.

—John Literski, 20, from Edgar High School, who was hired by Hiller’s True Value Hardware.

—Kyle Vruwink, 20, from Auburndale High School, who is currently seeking a position.

—Miguel Hernandez, 24, from Abbotsford, who found a position at Taqueria el Sol.

—Danny Malecki, 23, from Athens, will be working for Huntz Service Center and Hillcrest Dairy.

—Kali Kilty, 20, of Marshfield, is currently seeking employment and is interested in retail.