Students and staff of Leo A. Palmiter High School, Elinor L. Hickey Jr./Sr. High School and the LINKS Program celebrated successes at the 11th Annual "School to World" Awards ceremony on May 24.
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.
Keynote speaker Michael Pritchard, a nationally acclaimed author, comic, and motivational speaker, offered attendees an inspirational talk.
"The greatest successes in the world are not the ones who love money and use people, but love people and use money," Pritchard said.
Michael Pritchard is a noted keynote speaker and facilitator who uses a variety of humorous stories and useful tools to educate his audiences on improving communication skills. He advised students in the audience to make wise choices in life if they want to succeed.
"No generation in the world has ever had this many choices. Life is always about choices," Pritchard said.
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.
"This program enables our students 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:
- Auto Mobile Express
- Barnes & Noble Booksellers
- Chick-fil-A
- Country Oaks Veterinary Hospital
- Country Waffle
- Deseret Industries
- Dollar Tree Stores
- Fulton-El Camino Recreation& Park District
- KB Toys
- Malouf's Taste of Lebanon
- Mediterranean Market
- Mimi's Cafe
- Mr. Pickles
- Sam's Club
- Subway
- Togo's
- Waffle Square
If you are a business owner and would like to learn more about the "School to World" program please call (916) 566-2005.