'Rays of Sunshine': Marshfield Project SEARCH marks 15th year as eight students graduate

MARSHFIELD – Project SEARCH recognized the 15th graduating class during its commencement ceremony May 8 at Marshfield Medical Center in Marshfield.

Friends, family and co-workers attended the ceremony to honor the eight graduates. ​

‌‌Project SEARCH is a business-led collaboration that enables young adults with disabilities to gain and maintain employment through training and career exploration.

Students are offered a workforce alternative for their last year of high school.

In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Marshfield Medical Center has hosted the program for 15 years in conjunction with Marshfield School District, Opportunity Development Centers and other local businesses and schools.

Students had three internships in the past nine months at Marshfield Medical Center — in more than a dozen departments — and in Marshfield at Dental Crafters, Stoney River Assisted Living and Festival Foods.  

The graduates — Deliny Kloos, Dominic Springer, James Scott, Shanden Blank, Brandon Schiller, Kyle Krohn, Nicolas Croissant and Michael Brill — have their future secured as well as all eight students were hired prior to graduation.

“We are so inspired by our Project SEARCH graduates and the great work they’ve done over the past year,” said Marshfield Medical Center President Bob Chaloner. “We are absolutely thrilled to be the host organization for the program, and we congratulate the graduates and wish them well with the next part of their lives.”

Over the past 15 years, 117 students have graduated from Project SEARCH and 96% were employed after graduation.

Of the graduates, 37 students were hired within Marshfield Clinic including a graduate from the inaugural class still working in the hospital’s PACU.

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development oversees the Project SEARCH that empowers about 200 participants annually who intern at businesses throughout the state.

Each day, students report to the host business, learn employability skills in the classroom and job skills through their internships.

“No matter where you go in your career, Department of Workforce Development is making sure the playing field is fair, you get the help you need and have opportunities to advance your career,” said Lee Sensenbrenner, DWD assistant deputy secretary. “A job is not just a paycheck. You are learning to advance your career, bond with co-workers and learn.

Appreciate the camaraderie, challenging yourself and the opportunities that will take you new places in life.”

Keresa Kilty, manager, Marshfield Medical Center Volunteer Services, has worked with Project Search for 15 years and graduation day is always an emotional one. 

“I am grateful to be part of this life-changing program that truly empowers young adults to explore unique hands-on training to achieve job search and placement,” Kilty said.

Anne Dick, Project SEARCH coordinator for Marshfield School District, also has been with Project SEARCH from the beginning.

She crafted the group’s end-of-year-video to music around the theme of sun.

“You guys are rays of sunshine — powerful and shining your light on the world,” Dick said. “Keep spreading rays of joy onto others.”