Shawnee Mission Celebrates Project Search Graduates of 2023

Shawnee Mission Celebrates Project Search Graduates of 2023
Shawnee Mission School District

The Project SEARCH class of 2023 celebrated their transition from students to members of the workforce at a commencement ceremony on Friday, May 12. 

Through a video presentation, students expressed appreciation for the Project SEARCH program and thanked friends, family, and instructors for supporting them in achieving their goals. 

“My favorite thing about Project SEARCH is the people because I like to have good conversations and all of the lifetime friendships,” expressed Project SEARCH student Daniel Schnacker. “Thank you all for getting me to these next steps of my life.”

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Hubbard delivered the commencement address sharing a personal anecdote about each graduate and highlighting the skills each has learned in the program. 

“In Shawnee Mission we hire new employees all of the time, and the qualities and skills these students have learned are the qualities we want in employees. This program provides such great opportunities for our students and makes a difference for our community.”

Speaking directly to the students Hubbard stated, “After visiting and meeting with you, I know the future is really bright for Shawnee Mission and the Shawnee Mission community. I am really proud of the four of you.”

The Project SEARCH Class of 2023 includes: 

  • Matt Argie
  • Alex Dvorak
  • Jaydon Johnson 
  • Daniel Schnacker

Project SEARCH is a school-to-work transition program offering work experience and training to help students with special needs improve employment skills. 

Since its inception in 2018, Project SEARCH has served 33 students. The program is offered in partnership between the Shawnee Mission School District and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.