Project SEARCH graduates celebrate success, employment, and new opportunities

Students, families, educators, and community partners recently celebrated the accomplishments of the 2026 Project SEARCH graduates, recognizing a year of growth, achievement, and career readiness.

 

Project SEARCH is a nationally recognized transition-to-work program that provides young adults with disabilities immersive workplace experiences, employability training, and opportunities to develop the skills needed for competitive employment and greater independence. Through partnerships with Hampton City Schools, Newport News Public Schools, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS), Sentara Health, Joint Base Langley-Eustis, and numerous community partners, students gain valuable real-world experience while preparing for life after high school.

 

The Project SEARCH Class of 2026 at Hampton City Schools closed out a remarkable year under the theme, “Rooted in Kindness, Strengthened by Resilience.” Through hands-on job rotations and authentic workplace experiences, interns developed meaningful skills and moved closer to competitive, integrated employment opportunities throughout the Hampton Roads community. This cohort demonstrated extraordinary perseverance, continuing to learn, grow, and succeed even while navigating personal challenges. Along the way, strong relationships were formed between interns and their workplace colleagues, with coworkers and supervisors becoming genuine advocates and supporters.

 

The Project SEARCH Sentara CarePlex graduating class included Mackenzie Couper, William Bland, Caelyn Hasey, Trinity Swanner, and Caleb Crespo.

 

At Project SEARCH Fort Eustis, graduates included Cedric Hughes, Lexy Price, and Jayden Smith-Boyd. Even before graduation, Hughes and Smith-Boyd secured full-time positions with benefits at Fort Eustis, working in the dining facilities. In addition, Hughes and Price were named Fort Eustis Co-Interns of the Year in recognition of their outstanding character, dedication, and commitment to always doing their best.

 

“These have been such emotional graduations,” said Sherry Hildebrandt, transitions specialist for Hampton City Schools. “There is so much to love about Project SEARCH and the doors it opens for young adults. Many of our students begin the program unsure of what their future might hold and leave with confidence, skills, employment opportunities, and a new belief in themselves. I am deeply thankful to Hampton City Schools, Newport News Public Schools, DARS, Sentara, Fort Eustis, and our many community partners for making this life-changing program possible. The impact extends far beyond our students—it enriches families, employers, and our entire community.”

 

The success of Project SEARCH would not be possible without the dedication of its instructors, Ashley Colon at Sentara CarePlex and Craig Hige at Fort Eustis, whose guidance and support help students develop the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the workplace.

 

Graduates were also inspired by former Project SEARCH participants who returned to celebrate their success and offer words of encouragement. Jaelin Fox (Bethel High School, Cohort 2016), Ashby Birchette (Phoebus High School, Cohort 2024), Tyree Fullerton (Bethel High School, Cohort 2024), and Joseph Singleton (Hampton High School, Cohort 2024) shared their experiences and demonstrated the lasting impact of the program.

 

The graduation ceremony served as a powerful celebration of growth, resilience, and achievement, reinforcing the message that with the right support and opportunities, young adults with disabilities do not simply enter the workforce—they belong there. Their success stories serve as a testament to the transformative impact of Project SEARCH and the bright futures that await its graduates.

 

You may view the Sentara graduation here.