Baldwin County School District Celebrates Project SEARCH Graduation and Welcomes New Interns

Baldwin County School District recently celebrated a powerful full-circle moment for its Project SEARCH program, honoring the graduation of its current interns while officially welcoming the next cohort of students during a special signing ceremony at Baldwin High School on May 5th. The new interns, Derek McConnell, Joshua Nesbitt, Tiffany Page, and twins JaKayle Hector and JaKyle Hector were welcomed by the graduating interns.

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized workforce training program designed to help students with disabilities gain the skills, confidence, and real-world experience needed for meaningful employment. In Baldwin County, the program is made possible through a partnership between Baldwin County School District and Atrium Health Navicent, and community partners committed to expanding opportunities for students beyond the classroom.

Celebrating Baldwin’s Project SEARCH Graduates

This year’s graduating Project SEARCH interns were recognized in a separate ceremony for completing a year of hands-on workplace training, employability instruction, and professional growth.

Throughout the program, TaShawn Robinson, Haley Hester, Ellijah Patterson, and Heaven Armstrong participated in rotations at Atrium Health Navicent, where they gained experience in real business settings while developing important skills such as communication, teamwork, punctuality, professionalism, and customer service.

“This celebration represents exactly what we mean when we talk about building Baldwin up into a premier community,” said Superintendent Dr. Kristina Brooks. “Baldwin County School District provides the only school in Baldwin for students with special needs, and Project SEARCH gives those students the opportunity to be seen for their abilities, their work ethic, and their potential. We are incredibly proud of these graduates and grateful to our partners who help make this life-changing program possible.”

Signing the Next Project SEARCH Cohort

During the same celebration, Baldwin County School District also welcomed the next group of Project SEARCH interns through an official signing ceremony. Much like signing days for athletics or college commitments, the event recognized each student’s commitment to taking the next step toward independence, career readiness, and future employment.

Michelle O’Gorman, Director of the Program for Exceptional Children, said the success of Project SEARCH reflects the district’s continued commitment to expanding meaningful pathways for students with disabilities. “It is about confidence, independence, self-advocacy, and helping students discover what they are capable of accomplishing," said O'Gorman.

The incoming interns will begin their Project SEARCH journey during the 2026–2027 school year, participating in classroom instruction and workplace rotations designed to help them explore career interests, build confidence, and prepare for life after high school.

A Pathway Forward for PEC Students

Project SEARCH reflects Baldwin County School District’s continued commitment to preparing every student for success. By connecting students with real workplace experience, mentorship, and community support, the program helps create a bridge between high school and meaningful adult opportunities.

“These students are stepping into a program that will ask them to grow in new ways, but they will not do it alone,” said Project SEARCH Lead Instructor Jennifer Bryant. “Every day, we work on building confidence, workplace skills, communication, and professionalism. By the end of the year, our interns are not only better prepared for employment, but they also begin to see themselves differently. They see themselves as capable, valuable, and ready.”

As Baldwin County celebrates its graduating interns and welcomes a new cohort, the message is clear: every student deserves a pathway forward, and every student deserves the chance to shine.