COEUR d'ALENE — "I'm employed at Home Depot."

"This morning, I heard I'd be hired at Big Blue."

"I just got a job at Ross Dress for Less."

"I have been hired at Kootenai Health!"

Magic words spoken by graduates of Project SEARCH's Class of 2025.

Eight interns were honored Tuesday during a well-attended ceremony at Kootenai Health, where family, friends, mentors and Project SEARCH alumni gathered to watch the capstone presentations and officially recognize the accomplishments of these young people as they celebrated their commencement.

With beaming smiles and a few moments of tearful gratitude, the grads shared their experiences working different rotations at Kootenai Health in the yearlong high school transition program for students with disabilities.

They worked in the mail room, in patient equipment transfer services, as couriers, as baristas, as housekeepers and more, all the while learning valuable skills and forging long-lasting friendships to boost their confidence and prepare them for adult life. Some interns also received opportunities to work in the community, at such places as Shappy Fabrics, the Kroc Center, Mountain West Bank, Costco and the Coeur d'Alene School District. 

"Project SEARCH taught me to be respectful, be honest, ask questions, be positive, support each other," Emily Szmania said, a smile growing on her face.

"My future — I got hired at Fred Meyer!" she said as the room erupted in applause.

Project SEARCH is a joint effort between Kootenai Health, the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the school district.

Frank Maier, director of special education for the school district, delivered a moving speech for the graduates to carry with them as they go out into the world. He said while it was a time to celebrate the accomplishments of the interns, it was also a moment to recognize the transformative journeys they have taken through Project SEARCH, which is more than just a program — "It's a launchpad for a lot of students," he said.

"It's a bridge between the classroom and the workforce," Maier said. "It's a place where potential is nurtured, where real-life skills are developed and where confidence is built day by day, task by task and challenge by challenge."

He said throughout the year, the interns grew in ways that could not be captured by grades or certificates alone.

"They rotated through internships, they mastered job skills and learned what it means to show up, contribute and thrive in a professional environment," he said. "They've been coached, encouraged and empowered not just to do a job, but to imagine a future with greater independence, purpose and pride."

The graduates received cheers, handshakes and awards for completion. The ceremony concluded with the Class of 2025 welcoming next year's interns to the Project SEARCH program.

Info: cdaschools.org

    Project SEARCH graduate Wyatt Emond delivers his capstone presentation Tuesday during a celebration at Kootenai Health. "I was just hired by Kootenai Health!" Emond said, bowing twice.
  

    Project SEARCH graduate Spencer Vogt is celebrated Tuesday as he receives his award and certificate for completing the yearlong high school transition program. From left: Abbie Waters and Theresa Moran, Project SEARCH; Vogt; and Justin Schorzman and Thomas Singleton, Kootenai Health.
  

    Project SEARCH Class of 2025 graduates listen to opening remarks Tuesday as they wait to deliver their capstone presentations during a well-attended ceremony at Kootenai Health. From left: Durant Teague, Emily Szmania, Janie Curl, Jeanie Curl, Madalynn Reed, Spencer Vogt, Victoria Benson and Wyatt Emond.
  

    Durant Teague discusses his experience working in Kootenai Health Transportation Services as he delivers his Project SEARCH graduation presentation Tuesday.