Six eager young men and women—inspired by a year of hard work across Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System—were recognized in early May during an annual Project SEARCH graduation ceremony.  

The evening of laughter, love and celebration brought together the interns, their families, Spartanburg School District Six representatives, Project SEARCH partners, and the associates and system leaders who have supported their efforts along the way. 

Project SEARCH is a business-led, one-year transition program for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, featuring 9-to-10-week immersive internship rotations at locations like Spartanburg Medical Center. It offers on-site training and mentoring aimed at securing employment. 

There are now 13 Project SEARCH programs throughout the state. Spartanburg Medical Center was the first in South Carolina, launching its first intern cohort 12 years ago. 

This year’s Project SEARCH graduates were: 

• Jayla Ballew 
• Bryce Blair 
• Ben Lawson 
• Shemar Peralta 
• Elijah Pranivong 
• Candice Schill 

"Throughout the year, our interns were given amazing opportunities to learn hands-on skills but, in the process, they built meaningful relationships with peers and coworkers. For people with disabilities, feeling included and being treated as part of a team offers far more valuable learning experiences than any physical task we could ever teach in the program,” said Hannah Drew, the program’s instructor. 

The graduates worked in 13 different departments ranging from Dining Services to Pediatric Rehabilitation, Anesthesia Services, Pharmacy and Environmental Services. Each intern reported to a supervisor in each department. Those supervisors were also recognized during the graduation ceremony. 

Staci Roberts, senior workforce development specialist and Project SEARCH liaison, congratulated the interns and thanked those who had a hand in making each young person’s experience a success. 

“This year’s success would not have been possible without the incredible departments and mentors who welcomed our interns, took the time to train them and treated them as valued members of their teams,” Roberts said. “We are deeply thankful for the dedication, patience and encouragement shown throughout the year.” 

Ken Kiser, superintendent of Spartanburg School District Six; Phil Feisal, system chief operating officer-Hospital Group & executive VP; Shelly McMillan, system director of Professional Practice, Innovation and Workforce Development; and Dana Hudgins, executive director of Upstate Workforce Board, all gave remarks during the ceremony. 

Jamar Hayes, a Project SEARCH graduate from 2024 who now works at Spartanburg Medical Center’s Tower Cafe, spoke during the ceremony to congratulate and encourage the new graduates. 

“I get to work with some really awesome people every day,” he said of his colleagues. “Everyone needs a job, and we need to learn that it is OK to ask for help sometimes.”