Designed to help students with Individual Education Plans (IEP) develop skills that go beyond the walls of the school building, the school-to-work program has helped about 200 juniors and seniors at the school since it began around 1986.

One by one, this year’s seniors were recognized for their achievements. Some work at the Alabaster Coffee Cart at the school, serving coffee to teachers; others work at area businesses — community partners who are helping the students learn how to interact with customers and co-workers, and to develop a work ethic that is a plus in an economy that is currently suffering a shortage of dedicated workers.

“Like Albert Einstein once said, ‘In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.’ This powerful message resonated with me as I’m sure it does with many of you, reminding us that within our struggles, lie hidden chances for growth and success,” said Dr. Amy Wolfhope-Briggs, supervisor of special education at the Williamsport Area School District, in her opening remarks at the event.

“Despite the obstacles you may encounter, all of you possess an untapped potential waiting to be discovered. Through dedicated support systems, tailored educational programs and caring mentors, like those we have here through the school-to-work program…we can help unlock the hidden opportunities within each of you,” she said.

With the school-to-work program, students participate in a volunteer and paid work experience, taking half-day credits with academic subjects such as English and math and then working the other half of the day, which goes toward their electives.

Diontay Burney has been in the program for two years and works in the food service department at Curtin Intermediate School.

“With the help of his supervisors and co-workers, Diontay has grown as both a young adult and an employee. Diontay is seeking full-time competitive employment following graduation and feels confident he has the employability skills to be successful,” Wolfhope-Briggs said as Burney received his certificate.

For Nevaeh Dunkelberger, her dream is to go to cosmetology school. She was described as a “thoughtful, helpful and dependable co-worker, employee and friend.”

Bryce Faivre has been in the school-to-work program for two years. Last year, he worked on the Alabaster Coffee cart and, this year, he worked at the middle school cafeteria. Although he’s not sure what he ultimately wants to do, he wants to be “competitively employed on a full-time basis, possibly in food services.”

Some students had completed levels in auto mechanics or in welding. One wants to study to be a nurse. One student couldn’t be there because he had secured a job with Amazon and was scheduled to work.

All give examples of the program helping students develop those essential skills that could be used for whatever work they end up doing.

“By embracing these opportunities to rise above your circumstances, to break through barriers and create a brighter future for yourselves with determination and guidance, you can prove that your present challenges do not define your future, but rather serves as stepping stones toward a path of achievement and fulfillment,” Wolfhope-Briggs said.