At South High School, special education students are learning life skills, stepping out of their comfort zones, and earning a work experience credit in the process.

The special education department at South has been partnering with local business Van Horn Automotive Group since the beginning of this school year. An idea born by Associate Principal William Thompkins and Special Education Transition Specialist Jaslyn Posewitz, it is a student-run car detailing business that has given students an opportunity to excel and benefit from work experience opportunities.

Van Horn generously donated $1,500 at the start of the collaboration to purchase supplies for the students, and one of their head detailers visited the Automotive Shop at South to help students adjust to their space and learn how to use the tools and supplies in their building.

The partnership continues to thrive, allowing students to independently problem solve with the oversight of their teachers and community partners and gain real-world work experience before graduation. We are grateful for companies in our community who are willing to partner with us to help the students in our district!