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Okaloosa Schools celebrates graduates of innovative program for adults with intellectual disabilities

On Tuesday, May 21, the Okaloosa County School District honored three remarkable individuals – Reid Soria, Bailey Lamonte, and Diana Dowart – for successfully completing the Okaloosa Unique Professionals (Okaloosa UP) program at Okaloosa Technical College. The graduation ceremony was attended by proud families and friends who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ significant achievements. Through the Okaloosa […]

Jared Williams

On Tuesday, May 21, the Okaloosa County School District honored three remarkable individuals – Reid Soria, Bailey Lamonte, and Diana Dowart – for successfully completing the Okaloosa Unique Professionals (Okaloosa UP) program at Okaloosa Technical College.

Okaloosa UP is a specialized career instruction-comprehensive program designed for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, providing them with access to training and individualized support to develop specific career skills.

The graduation ceremony was attended by proud families and friends who gathered to celebrate the graduates’ significant achievements. Through the Okaloosa UP program, these students have earned occupational completion points for jobs embedded within CTE programs, career certificates for full program completion, and industry certifications or licensure.

Superintendent Marcus Chambers praised the graduates, stating, “This is not just a graduation but a stepping stone towards a brighter future, made possible by the transformative power of the Okaloosa UP program. The program’s comprehensive training and support have been instrumental in their success, and these students have not only overcome challenges but also soared to new heights, setting a shining example for all.”

The mission of Okaloosa UP is to empower adult students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities by providing them with the tools and opportunities to develop specific career skills and secure competitive, integrated employment within their communities.

The program’s ultimate goal is to foster independence and help students lead fulfilling lives.

All three graduates received certificates for completing the Safe Staff Florida Food Handler and the Specialized Career Instruction Comprehensive courses. The success of these students can also be attributed to the dedicated staff at Okaloosa Technical College and the unwavering support of their families.

The district also extended its gratitude to the Hilton Garden Inn and Holiday Inn Resort for their support of the Okaloosa UP program.

In a testament to the program’s effectiveness, all three students secured employment during their last semester at Okaloosa Technical College.

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Mike Ciolino commented on SS United States artificial reef project remains on track despite temporary delay

“Thanks Jared for a concise factual article. Too much false narratives floating around social media.”

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Chris commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Thee is no such a thing as affordable housing for over half the people that live in this area. People can’t afford 300, 400 or 500k for a house. Build...”

“That portion has been closed because of wild hogs destroying it, I believe”

Kevin Jones commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Got make up for the 10 mill purchase of the SS United States and getting fined 1k a day while it still sits in port”

Terence R Porch commented on ‘GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’: Okaloosa County sets sights on Eglin AFB orphan parcels for development

“Follow the $. It's highly probable the developers have a military connection. And "affordable housing" is a sad case of smoke and mirrors.”

Richard Burkart commented on Okaloosa School District breaks ground on new Pineview School in Crestview

“Why not give the actual location of the new school, but from the little you gave on that point, I'm "assuming" that it will, like just about nearly every school...”

Hrntphxr commented on Twin Cities Hospital marks 45 years of growth with $46 million in recent improvements

“Is HCA Twin Cities able to provide cardiac care?”

John commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“It is amazing on one hand Walton county will purchase 2,000 acres for a state park and claim it is all about the enviroment amd protecting the Florida Black Bear...”

Max commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“Here goes all our natural Woods & Wild Life . Next thing you know they'll be building Businesses. And Gas Stations . And Big Houses .”

Ernest L Anderson commented on Florida acquires 2,483 acres for new Walton County state park

“It would be nice to know where it will be located. What about designs and will it have primitive camping or a combination of RV sites. What, no artist rendition?...”