On Wednesday, May 21, the McLeod Health Project SEARCH Graduation ceremony was held at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Brian Denny, Assistant Superintendent for Programs of Exceptional Children for Florence 1 Schools, congratulated the seven graduates saying, “During your time here at McLeod you have brought nothing but joy to everyone you have worked with. I wish you well as you take the skills you have gained here out into the workforce.”

McLeod Health Project SEARCH, in partnership with Florence 1 Schools, is an internationally implemented, business-driven transition program that prepares youth with significant disabilities to secure full time employment in post-school life. Now in its sixth year, this program has been recognized both at the state and national level for outstanding employment outcomes and the quality of employment preparation students receive.

The 2025 Project SEARCH graduates included Kristian McNeil, Zyhair McDowell, Jakob Jones, Gabriel Hunt, Kayden Odom, Patience Hicks, and Dy’lan Anderson.