Students, employers and educators came together to celebrate bright futures at the 2021 LIVE (Leander Independent Vocational Education) celebration. The theme “Turning Dreams into Plans” fit perfectly with the smiles and sense of accomplishment for those in attendance at the LEO Center.
The annual event showcases students with disabilities who are dedicated to learning the skills necessary to work for employer partners in our community. An initiative spearheaded by LISD Vocational and SELF 18+ Transition Services, the district’s Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Supported Employment programs such as Vocational Adjustment Class (VAC) provides a learning environment for students to grow their skills and independence, with the ultimate goal of obtaining a paid job or permanent volunteer placement.
Specialized window stickers at our program’s employer partners spotlights them for creating work opportunities for LISD students with disabilities:
- A blue “Inclusive Employer” sticker recognizes employers who hire our students for pay;
- A yellow “Inclusive Business Partner” sticker recognizes those that provide a site for our students to do work training.
This year, we had several unique “waves” that honored this community collaboration of vocational and SELF teachers, job coaches and transportation staff who make the programs possible.
Gauna – SELF 2 Independence
- Best Attitude – Blake Sanderson
- Best Self- Advocate – Anna Tagge
- Best Team Member – Reese Crompton
- Most Improved – Adeline Unger
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Kirk Frantz
Thomas – SELF 2 Independence
- Best Attitude – Earl Beechum
- Best Self- Advocate – Jacob Santos
- Best Team Member – Brandon Pohl
- Most Improved – Teonna Moore
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Nicholas Morales
McCarthy – SELF 2 Community
- Best Attitude – Scott Philpot
- Most Improved – Andrew Randall
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Ariana North
RHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Tyler Merritt
- Best Self- Advocate – Dominic Vega
- Best Team Member – Brady Bartell
- Most Improved – Eric Hernandez
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Autumn Latta
LHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Noah Adams
- Best Self- Advocate – Mae Gremillion
- Best Team Member – Grace Vehlewald
- Most Improved – Kyle Hicks
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Tayler Hill
CPHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Nicholas Deleon
- Best Self- Advocate – Olivia Voyce
- Best Team Member – Logan Weiss
- Most Improved – Rosie Thomas
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Ryan Crider
Gill – SELF 2 Independence
- Best Attitude – Jeremy Dean
- Best Self- Advocate – Bracie Felkins
- Best Team Member – Ethan Lydick
- Most Improved – Bailey Lehman
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Samantha Mincemoyer
Crompton – SELF 2 Community
- Best Attitude – Bella Valusek
- Best Self- Advocate – Chandra Kodra
- Best Team Member – Abby Dennis
- Most Improved – Sam Winkler
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Harrison Schaefer
McCollum – SELF 2 Community
- Best Attitude – Sarah O’Donnell
- Most Improved – Liam Cameron
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Layla Selgrath
GHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Triniti Brown
- Best Self- Advocate – Braeden Arp
- Best Team Member – Joe Marshall
- Most Improved – Xavier Martinez
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Miguel Esparza
VRHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Jacob Merseman
- Best Self- Advocate – Brandon Cardenas
- Best Team Member – Molly Piatt
- Most Improved – Nathan Kennedy
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Lena Hoover
VHS – VAC Program
- Best Attitude – Carson Alfano
- Best Self- Advocate – Jaiman Vatcher
- Best Team Member – Brooke Madani
- Most Improved – Caedyn Brunner
- Overall Outstanding Worker – Amberly McCauley
