Celebrating Project SEARCH Commencement 2025

Five Shawnee Mission School District graduates, CeeCee, Sam, Braden, Zion, and Mya, recently marked a major milestone as they celebrated their commencement from the 2025 Project SEARCH program. 

Surrounded by proud families, friends, instructors and mentors, the interns were honored for completing the yearlong program. Project SEARCH, a partnership between the SMSD and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, offers real-world job training and support for young adults with developmental or intellectual disabilities. The program helps them build independence, develop confidence, and gain the skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

The ceremony included opening words from David Kennedy, regional executive director of mission, and a welcome from Amy Milroy, director of the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission B.E. Smith Family Center. 

A video presentation featured each intern sharing favorite moments and personal reflections from the program. They thanked their families, mentors, and instructors for their support and all the encouragement they received along the way.

“What I liked best was being around food and talking to people,” shared Project SEARCH intern Sam Doran. “Project SEARCH has helped my self-confidence to prepare me for work.”

Superintendent Dr. Mike Schumacher delivered the commencement address, praising the students’ effort and progress. “You’ve worked hard day in and day out to learn skills that will serve you not just on the job, but in life,” expressed Schumacher. “Your path might look different from someone else’s, but it’s yours, and it’s meaningful and full of potential.”

Following the commencement address, Amy Quinley, Project SEARCH instructor, introduced each intern sharing words of encouragement, and Amanda Wade, special education coordinator presented each with a diploma.

After receiving their diploma, each student received a congratulatory handshake from Board of Education member Mario Garcia III, Dr. Mike Schumacher, superintendent, Dr. David Stubblefield, deputy superintendent, Sherry Dumolien, chief of special education, Pam Lewis, associate superintendent of leadership and learning, Dr. Jeremy Higgins, associate superintendent of human resources, and Dr. Jennifer Dancer, assistant director of special education.

As the event wrapped up, the room was filled with hugs, cheers and smiles. For these five young adults, commencement was more than just a ceremony - it was a celebration of how far they’ve come and the bright futures they’re stepping into.