Students and staff of Leo A. Palmiter High School, Elinor L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School and the LINKS Program celebrated successes at the 12th Annual "School-to-World" Awards ceremony on May 22.
The program is designed to provide the services, support systems, and opportunities that most at-risk students need to be ready for college and the workforce. The Palmiter and Hickey campuses are operated by the Special Education Department of the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) for students with specialized learning needs. LINKS is a pioneering Community School program offering career training courses for eligible students.
Serving as guest speaker was Monica Hart, a motivational speaker, and marketing specialist with more than 25 years of experience in sales and marketing, executive coaching, customer service, and team building.
"Your dream is connected with your strengths," Hart told the students. "If you focus on your strengths, you are going to be passionate about the work you do."
David W. Gordon, County Superintendent of Schools, joined Assistant Superintendent Robin Pierson in greeting families and presenting "School-to-World" awards to students.
The "School-to-World" program is a partnership between SCOE and areas businesses that offers students valuable entry-level job experience, connections with local business professionals, an opportunity for immediate use of their newly acquired job skills, and an active way to learn social skills.
"For many of our students the 'School-to-World' program is a big, first step toward helping them to participate in society at the fullest level possible," said SCOE Vocational Specialist Michael Laharty.
During a cake and punch reception, Business Partner Awards were presented to the following firms for providing employment and other workforce preparation assistance to SCOE's "School-to-World" students:
- Country Waffle
- Dollar Tree
- Auto Mobile Express
- Barnes & Noble Booksellers
- Deseret Industries
- Fulton-El Camino Recreation & Park District
- Galt Ace Hardware, Inc.
- Chick-fil-A
- Subway
- Hair By Computer
- Goodwill Industries
- Mediterranean Market
If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about the "School-to-World" program please email or phone Michael Laharty: (916) 566-2005.