Soar Graduates

Alisa

"The program I was in last year, turning point academy, had to close and the SOAR program welcomed me for my last year of school"

My favorite part about SOAR is making friends and spending time with other people with Autism.

When I'm not at SOAR, I like to relax, play with my phone, and draw. My goals are to get a job working with animals.

This year, I will be working at the Fricchione daycare center on Marywood’s campus.Last year, I worked in the bakery department sorting and packaging baked goods.

Chris

"The thing I like best about the Marywood SOAR Program is that the library has books of animals."

"I chose to come to the Marywood SOAR Program because I wanted to learn about work. The thing I like best about the Marywood SOAR Program is that the library has books of animals. For fun I like to go to the zoo, movies, mall, bowling, karate, and read books about reptiles, mammals, fish, amphibians, birds, sharks, insects, and dinosaurs. This year I will be working on campus with Campus Ministry and Career Services."

Where is he now?

Christopher graduated the SOAR program in June 2014, and became employed in October 2014 working on the Marywood campus with Chartwells.

Chris

"I love SOAR because of the people around here and the jobs I get to do. My goal for next year is I would like to work at Marywood's daycare next year."

Connor

"The thing that I like most about the SOAR program is the small class size."

Age: 20 High School: Abington Heights School District

I chose to come to the SOAR program because my family and I decided it would be a good idea to try to learn here. The thing that I like most about the SOAR program is the small class size. I also like the burgers and pizza in the cafeteria. In my free time, I like to go shopping, especially for electronics. I also like spending time on the computer.

Corin

"I chose SOAR because someone I knew recommended it to me"

My favorite part of SOAR is spending time in the game room on Fun Fridays.

When I'm not at SOAR, I like to watch Netflix and ride my bike.

This year, I am working in the library and IT department. Last year, I worked in in the nursing department, the education department and in the speech department.

Craig

"My goals are to go to another college and to work in an office or restaurant."

My favorite part about SOAR is working at the bakery and in the flea market.

In my free time, I like to play video games and clean my room.

This year, I work at the bakery in Nazareth dining hall and help make cookies.

Daniel

"For my job training this year, I am working in a new position in the Nursing Department at Marywood.

Age: 20 High School: Abington Heights School District

I chose the SOAR program because I wanted to find a college close to home, in case my parents needed me to help around the house. On Fridays, I go to the game room to play board games or action, racing, or party video games. I bring my own multi-player video games from home so more people can play together. When I’m not playing video games, I also like to hang out with friends and play sports like basketball, bowling, golf, tennis, baseball, and football for fun. Last year, I enjoyed helping the Human resources department by alphabetizing and organizing files. This year, I am working in a new position in the Nursing Department at Marywood.

Daniel

"Daniel is wonderful. He's very polite. You only have to give him instructions once, and he knows exactly what to do." - Aine Cahill

When Daniel was in the SOAR program, he sorted silverware in the main dining room for Chartwells Food Service. His supervisor, Aine Cahill, said, "Daniel is wonderful. He's very polite. You only have to give him instructions once, and he knows exactly what to do."

Where is he now?

Daniel graduated from the SOAR program in 2011. He was recently employed as a dishwasher at Fern Hall Inn, but it was only a seasonal job. Daniel is now in the process of seeking out other forms of employment with the help of his experience at the SOAR program.

Deanna

"I like the SOAR program because the teachers, work studies, and staff here are very nice and have a great sense of humor."

What Deanna is doing now:

Deanna is currently volunteering at a local store while she waits for a position at the Hiram G. Andrews Center.

Why Deanna Chose Marywood:

"I chose to come to the Marywood SOAR Program because I wanted to learn more skills that I needed when I left here. I worked on campus with the Food Service Department, wrapping and labeling baked goods. I liked the SOAR program because the teachers, work studies, and staff here are very nice and have a great sense of humor. For fun I like to listen to music, play video games, go bowling, swimming, traveling, and baking."

Felicity

"The thing I like most about the program is that I get to learn new things that I never learned before. I also like that we get to go to really interesting places and learn some interesting facts about those places."

Age: 19 High School: Lackawanna Trail School District

I chose the soar program because I wanted more experience with new things that I never learned before. And I also wanted more experience on some things that I already have learned. I also chose the the soar program because it was a deal I made with my mom. Some things that I like to do for fun are singing/song writing, running, swimming, bike riding, dancing & drawing. Some things that I like to do outside of school is that on the weekends I go to the animal shelter and I help them by walking some of the dogs.

My jobs on campus are housekeeping & office work. The thing I like most about my job in housekeeping is that I get to work with two really kind people named Sunny & Terry. Then in my other job I do office work in the speech department. The thing I like most about that job is that I get to organize files & important papers.

My future plans after I graduate soar is that I wanna live on my own & try to get a job either working with kids as a teacher or teacher's assistant or working with animals in either as a vet assistant or in a animal shelter or pet shop.

Gen

"It's is the place I want to be. It makes me want to grow and learn."

My favorite part about the SOAR program is the new experiences and new job skills I learn here.

When I'm not at SOAR, I like to make comics, color, and play my piano.

This year, I will be working in the 3 year old room at the day care on campus. I will help the teachers by reading them stories, settling them down for naps, and keeping the room clean. This will be perfect experience for me because I want to work as a children's librarian after I finish SOAR.

Jake

"This year I will be working on campus in the garage doing automotive maintenance, and working in the maintenance building doing office work."

Age: 20 High School: Tunkhannock School District

I chose to come to the Marywood SOAR Program because I wanted to get a good education. The thing I like best about Marywood SOAR is going to work and computer time. For fun I like to read books, take care of my dogs, and collect Marvel figures. This year I will be working on campus in the garage doing automotive maintenance, and working in the maintenance building doing office work.

Jared

"I chose SOAR because I want to be independent, I want to live on my own, and I want to be prepared for College."

My favorite part about SOAR is being able to work in different departments and seeing different aspects of campus.

In my free time, I like to go on my laptop and watch TV.

This year, I am working at the Marywood mailroom and the gym. Last year, I worked at the help desk and IT department!

Jared W.

"I chose SOAR to learn how to live as an adult and to find out what is my purpose in life."

My favorite things about SOAR are the job training we do Mondays through Thursdays, the field trips we go on, and the fun things we do on Fridays for example: going to the gym to either run around on the track or to lift weights, the extra desserts we get, and going to the game room in the commuter lounge.

When I am not at SOAR I relax, watch TV, play around on my I-pad mini 1, and play with my 3 toy collections for example: Power Rangers, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

My two previous job trainings on campus were working in the bakery department to package baked goods for the first semester with Mrs. Candy, and for the 2nd semester I worked as a mail carrier to organize letters by mailbox numbers and to deliver packages and letters throughout the campus with Mr. John Ferraro. My new job training on campus for this year is working in the math and psychology departments doing various tasks such as assisting the secretary shredding papers and collecting mail.

Jeremiah

"If I show J.J. something once, I never have to show him again." -Laurie Munley

When Jeremiah, aka J.J., was in the SOAR program, he did data entry, mail, labels, and time cards for Laurie Munley (Buildings and Grounds). Sometimes he also helped out in the parts room with inventory, counting parts, and filing. Laurie called J.J. "a great worker." She said he was punctual, pleasant, and never missed a day. "If I show J.J. something once, I never have to show him again," Laurie said. "He knows exactly what he's doing. I can honestly say that he's one of the best work-study students that I have ever had. I enjoyed working with him."

Where is he now?

JJ graduated from the Marywood SOAR Program in 2010. Currently, JJ is working at Keystone Resources center and has been employed since graduation. He enjoys bowling in his free time and playing on his computer.

Joey B.

"I chose the SOAR program because I want to continue my education."

What I like most about the SOAR program is spending time in the game room on Fun Fridays.

What I do for fun when I’m not at SOAR is playing video games, watch TV, and go on nature hikes.

Last year I worked in human resources and nursing department. What I like about these jobs is that they are interesting to me. I would like to be a landscaper. This year I will be working in housekeeping and on the grounds near the IHM center. I am excited about these jobs because they are active and outdoors.

Joey C.

"I chose Marywood SOAR so I could learn job skills for the future."

My favorite part about SOAR is working in the Flea Market.

When I'm not at SOAR I like to play video games.

Last year, I worked as a courier assistant. I delivered mail packages throughout the campus. I also worked as a baker’s assistant. I packaged and sealed baked goods in the bakery. This year I am working at the Marywood Book Store putting books on the shelves, organizing, items in the bookstore.

When I graduate from SOAR, I would like to work in an office at my family business.

John

"He was quiet at first, but now he loves to joke around." -Sunny Schwartz

When John was in the SOAR program, he worked with Sunny Schwartz in Housekeeping. She said that she loved working with John. "He's such a nice person and always follows directions." Sunny said, "He was quiet at first, but now he loves to joke around."

Where is he now?

John Hevers graduated from the Marywood SOAR program in 2011. Since then, John has been actively helping his father out at the trailer park which he manages.

Justin

"I really enjoy being able to exercise at Marywood’s gym and work on cleaning the gym equipment at work."

Kali

"I like SOAR because it helps me to work towards understanding things better to prepare for the future."

Lauryn

"My goals are getting my driver's license and getting a job."

My favorite part about SOAR is break time so I can play games on the computer.I also like going on field trips.

In my free time, I like doing puzzles, playing video games, watch movies and working out.

This year, I work in the copy room in McGowan and I also work in the flea market.

Matthew

"My goals are to get a job, help my family and spend time with my friends and siblings."

My favorite part about SOAR is having fun and working hard.

In my free time, I like to go on my computer, watch videos, draw and watch horror movies.

This year, I work at the Human Resources twice a week and at the Bookstore twice a week.

Michael

"I chose SOAR to try find people to hang out with and to learn about computer programing."

My favorite part of SOAR is our free time activities, like playing on the computers.

When I'm not at SOAR, I like to listen to music, go online, read, play games, and watch shows/movies.

This year, I will be working in Human Resources doing office work and in the Flea Market sorting, pricing, and packaging items for sale.

Nick

"I came here to learn skills to work"

My favorite part about SOAR is doing math and going to lunch with my friends.

In my free time, I like to watch movies and eating my favorite dessert, brownies and chocolate.

This year, I am working I am working with the housekeeping department cleaning and helping out in McGowan.

Nick

“I chose the SOAR program to learn to live on my own more efficiently”

Age: 19 High School: Wallenpaupack School District

I like working with Ben on the computers that are here on campus and I like to play video games for fun from time to time.

I would like to get a job & have enough money to pay off the estimated tuition cost at Full Sail University in Florida, the expenses for the college, the house or apartment that is available in the same state as the university, the expenses for the residence, and parts for my own gaming computer for work and personal matters.

Nick

"The thing I like best about the SOAR program this year is my job."

Age: 20 High School: Dunmore School District

I chose to come to the Marywood SOAR Program because I wanted to learn about work and to study. The thing I like best about the SOAR program this year is my job. For fun I like to go bowling, read books about sports, and go swimming. This year I will be working in the mailroom with John Ferraro sorting, scanning, packing, and delivering packages.

Olivia

"My goals are to star my job as a fashion designer."

My favorite part about SOAR is that I do not get too much homework and I’ve made great friends.

I like pizza, "Dancing with the Stars", and BTS.

This year, I am working at the front office in McGowan and with the speech pathology department shredding/organizing papers and helping out in any way I can.

Rachel

"Rachel is anxious to know the reasons for everything and loves to ask questions." - Jean Dixon

When Rachel was in the SOAR program, she cleaned windows, floors, and computer screens in the library. Jean Dixon (Housekeeping) described Rachel as friendly and inquisitive. Jean said that Rachel was anxious to know the reasons for everything and loved to ask questions. In addition, she was told that Rachel was always eager to come to work and was seen whistling and skipping up the road on her way to the library.

Where is she now?

Rachel graduated in 2011 and was hired almost immediately upon graduation in the Marywood cafeteria. Her job duties include sorting silverware and cleaning tables five days a week.

Sean

"He was always on time and accomplished tasks more quickly than I could sometimes assign them." -Robyn Krukovitz

When Sean was in the SOAR program, he worked in a housekeeping position. He also worked in the Human Resources office where he scanned applications, helped with PowerPoint presentations, and was as Robyn Krukovitz (HR) put it, "excellent on the computer." Robyn said, "He was always on time and accomplished tasks more quickly than I could sometimes assign them." She added, "You would just tell Sean something once, and he got it."

Where is he now?

Sean graduated from the Marywood SOAR program in 2010. While he has had various jobs since graduation, his most recent and secure job was acquired in September 2013 at Walmart as a maintenance associate.

Sean

"Coming to the SOAR program was an easy decision for me because the tour that Mr. Kirby and Miss Lisa gave us was really great."

Age: 20 High School: Wallenpaupack School District

I chose the SOAR program because I wanted to learn skills that I needed for real work. I already have a real job; I work as a people greeter at a nearby store! My favorite part of SOAR is Fun Friday. The game room just got a new basketball hoop! Also for fun, I listen to music on the radio or on CDs. I also like playing action games on the Wii.

Thomas

"I like SOAR because it provides me with the skills I need for life, my career and future."

Travis

"I chose to come to Marywood because I wanted to learn how to live independently.

Age: 18 High School: Wayne Highlands School District

I chose to come to Marywood because I wanted to learn how to live independently. My favorite parts about the SOAR program are gym class on Thursdays, dessert day, and game room day on Fridays. For fun, I like to play on the iPad at school, and spend time with friends on game room day. This year I will be doing computer maintenance in the library two days a week and updating the bulletin board the other two days.

Tyler

"My dream is to design video games."

"I chose to come to the Marywood SOAR Program because I wanted to learn how to get a job and learn about finances. I also wanted to study computer programs. My dream is to design video games. The things I like best about Marywood SOAR are the jobs I do at the Media Center and the Web Department. For fun I like to play video games, listen to country music, go bowling, and study computer programs."

Where is he now?

Tyler graduated from the Marywood SOAR Program in 2014. Upon completion of the SOAR program, he enrolled in a certification program for web/video game design through New Horizons. After that, his goal is to move to Florida and transfer into a college to obtain a degree in video game design.

Tyler's projects with the Web Team:

Squirrel Tour

Tyler helped to work out the concept and develop a plan for a video game that doubles as a virtual tour of campus. In this SquirrelTour, website visitors learn about the campus as they perform tasks-- as a squirrel-- that are designed to "show" them around Marywood's campus.

Game Review Website

Tyler's project was to create a website with video game reviews.

Vincent

"SOAR is a great place because I get to work on art therapy with the art therapists. I also really enjoy working in the dining hall."