SPS high schoolers with special needs were encouraged to pursue success after high school at a special day-long event, just for them.
The BASE Transition Seminar, held every other year, encourages students to consider their options and be ready to pursue college or a career after high school. Regardless of their choice, an independent, thriving life as an adult is the goal for every attending student, said Leslie Callison, BASE instructor at Mercy.
“Once students hit their junior year, graduation seems like a long time away, but it really comes in a blink of an eye,” said Callison. “Some of our students need services to assist them in connecting to education or employment after graduation, so the sooner we’re able to connect them with services, the more successful they’ll be.”
Nearly 100 students from Springfield high schools participated in the seminar at the Hammons Heart Institute on Mercy’s campus. Every student attendee had an Individualized Education Plan, a guiding document that articulates what supports and services students might require to be successful.
The seminar began with a keynote address and interactive Q&A with Lawrence Beatty-Hairston, a graduate of Hillcrest High School. The former Hornet is an inspirational speaker who shares how his IEP and passionate teachers in high school helped him pursue excellence in a thriving career. Now, he serves as the Garnish Chef at Missouri State University, where he is the campus’ leading accoutrement chef at special events. He also serves the campus as an instructor in “Cooking 101” classes and as the guest services ambassador at Chartwells.
“In high school, I learned that I have to be on time and I’ve got to show up,” said Beatty-Hairston. “Being late, missing time at work, that’s not a good thing. I wouldn’t show up to classes a lot in high school. But if you want to be successful, you’ve got to put in the time and be positive every single day.”
Beatty-Hairston was joined by a number of guest speakers who shared insight on life after high school. Jessica Bendure from Burrell Health shared the importance of mental health when transitioning from high school. Cindy Singleton from BluCurrent Credit Union shared insights into budgeting and banking, and Vinessa Moyer from The Wooten Company shared what it takes to rent an apartment.
Breakout sessions reflected a core value of the BASE Program: developing soft skills in students to help them thrive as young adults and beyond.
“Getting along with others, taking instructions, being on time, those skills are critical for all students, but for some, they may be more of a challenge for others,” said Callison. “This seminar and our program gives students an opportunity to develop those skills.”
The BASE Program, now in its 25th year, is at seven sites across Springfield - two at Mercy, two at CoxHealth south hospital, one at CoxHealth north hospital, one at Missouri State University and one at Ozarks Technical Community College. Students attend classes, while also job shadowing during the middle of the day.
Current BASE program students have internships in the MSU Student Union, Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital, The Clip Joint and more. For more information, visit the BASE Program website.
