Reflecting on Graduation Season: Celebrating Students

 

While graduation ceremonies may be behind us, the accomplishments of Shawnee Mission students continue to inspire.

Last spring, students across the district celebrated many different milestones as they prepared for the future. Among those celebrations were two ceremonies recognizing students who have been participating in programs to develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to succeed in work and in life.

Project SEARCH Graduates Begin Their Next Chapter

In May, five Shawnee Mission School District graduates celebrated the completion of the 2026 Project SEARCH program, marking the culmination of a year of workplace learning, personal growth, and new opportunities.

Graduates Holden, Connor, Olivia, Andrew, and Aiden celebrated the completion of the yearlong transition-to-work program surrounded by supportive family members, mentors, instructors, district leaders, and staff from AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

Project SEARCH is a partnership between the Shawnee Mission School District and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission that provides young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities hands-on workplace experience and job training in a professional setting. Through internships, mentorship, and individualized support, students build independence, confidence, and skills to help prepare them for future employment.

The ceremony began with remarks from Dave Kennedy, vice president of Mission and Ministry for AdventHealth, who reflected on the impact of these interns. “This program isn’t simply about training interns for jobs,” Kennedy shared. “It’s about opening doors, building confidence, nurturing purpose, and creating opportunities for young adults to contribute to our community in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Throughout the year, students completed internship rotations across departments at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, including supply chain, laboratory services, intensive care, environmental services, the print shop, the Birth Center, and the emergency department. Their work supported hospital operations while providing valuable real-world experience.

Amy Milroy, director of the B.E. Smith Family Center and business liaison for Project SEARCH, recognized the partnership that makes the program possible and thanked families, mentors, and staff members for supporting students throughout the year.

A video presentation during the ceremony featured graduates sharing favorite memories, lessons learned, and words of appreciation for the people who helped them along the way. Students reflected on developing workplace skills, gaining confidence, learning flexibility, and building friendships through the experience.

“The best part about Project SEARCH was gaining new skills and learning a bit more [about] my current skills…to help me for a job in the future,” shared Holden.

Dr. David Stubblefield, deputy superintendent for the Shawnee Mission School District, delivered the commencement address. Drawing from recent visits and conversations with students, Stubblefield highlighted the growth and determination demonstrated by the graduates.

“It is an absolute honor to be here today to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Project SEARCH graduates,” Stubblefield shared. “These interns have moved beyond the classroom to prove that with the right skills and a lot of heart, competitive employment isn’t just a goal, it’s a reality.”

He encouraged graduates to continue moving forward with confidence and recognized the courage it takes to step into new environments, learn new skills, and continue growing.

“You’ve reminded us that potential isn’t a fixed point,” Stubblefield told the graduates. “It’s a door you’ve swung wide open. As a matter of fact, you kicked that door down.”

Each graduate was recognized individually, receiving a diploma and congratulatory handshakes from district and program leaders as family members, friends, and supporters celebrated their achievements.

Honoring Students Completing Post-High

The celebration of student achievement continued later that day as seven students marked the completion of their time receiving Post-High services in the Shawnee Mission School District. 

The event was attended by district Board of Education members, administrators, teachers, family members, as well as friends and classmates – all who were present to congratulate the students on their growth and accomplishments. 

Post-High services are provided to individuals ages 18-21. While in the program they continue activities that prepare them to live and work in the community, including employment skills, recreation and leisure activities, community college classes, and volunteer projects. 

Deputy Superintendent Dr. David Stubblefield delivered the commencement address. 

“You have taken every tool we could have given you and built something remarkable,” he expressed.

He encouraged the students to not look at the day’s ceremony as an ending. 

“You are simply moving from practice to performance,” he shared. “This community needs your work ethic, your unique perspectives, and your persistence. You have spent years proving you are ready to live and work with independence. Now it is time to go out there and actually do it. We are incredibly proud of you.” 

Following his address, Amanda Wade, special education coordinator shared a personal reflection and highlights about each honoree and encouraged all in the room to congratulate the students with a round of applause.