The first annual Job Olympics was attended by areas schools for various students with special needs hosted by TAFY (Transition Atlas for Youth) at the Goodwill Excel Center this spring.
High Schools participating included: Poplar Bluff, East Carter, Van Buren, Doniphan, Twin Rivers, Holcomb and Kennett, according to a press release from the Excel Center.
Students competed with an opportunity to win gold, silver and bronze medal with several students wining multiple medals. All were recognized with a certificate of participation in various job skills that included folding laundry, grocery stocking, stuffing envelopes, custodial duties and job interviewing.
Judges for the March event came from around the eastern part of the state including Jefferson City, West Plains, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis and Poplar Bluff, as well as the regions’ State of MO Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors.
Sponsors of the event included; Poplar Bluff Realty, Pepsi of Poplar Bluff, Flowers Bakery, Peoples Community Bank, Goodwill Excel Center, Alliance Rehab and Medical Equipment, Twin Rivers’ High School and Clearwater High School.
Plans are for the second annual Job Olympics in March, 2023.
TAFY (Transition Atlas for Youth) is a group of regional special education high school educators, planning coordinators and counselors, and local resources and partners including Vocational Rehabilitation, MU Pre-ETS Program, Goodwill Career Center, Easter Seals, Butler County Health Department and the Independent Living Center that provide supports for special needs students transitioning towards graduation.
Monthly meetings are located at Bread N Butter on the second Tuesday monthly from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except May and December.