For students and educators alike, the end of the school year is a time for reflection—on lessons learned, relationships forged, and goals achieved. The Madison County High School High Tech program’s end-of-year celebration Tuesday was no exception.
With students, parents and local education officials in attendance, the celebration honored Madison’s 2024-25 High School High Tech participants and highlighted the events in which students participated throughout the 2024-25 school year. From a hands-on career exploration experience at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo; to a virtual work site tour with Publix Supermarkets; to visiting Big Bend Technical College, Florida State University and Tallahassee State College, it was a fulfilling year for Madison High School High Tech.
“High School High Tech exposes our students with disabilities to educational opportunities and jobs in our community that they never knew existed,” said Jodie Price, Madison County High School High Tech coordinator. “It’s important to us to provide these opportunities for our kids.”
High School High Tech, a youth program administered by The Able Trust, provides Florida students with disabilities access to career exploration experiences, postsecondary education options, and key resources to help them plan for success after graduation.
The students also engaged with their community during the year, deciding to base their annual service project at the Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center.
In addition to learning about the wide range of jobs that help a nursing home run successfully, the students provided residents of the Center with no-slip socks and flannel blankets during the colder winter months.
“We give the students the responsibility to decide where we go for our next worksite visit, and to weigh in on what community project we want to participate in for the school year,” explained Price. “This helps them feel more confident in expressing their thoughts and opinions.”
At the May 6 celebration, Price and co-coordinator Leslie McLeod also recognized the program’s graduating seniors and shared many of their post-graduation plans. Each senior received a set of honor cords which they will wear at Madison County High School’s graduation ceremony this month.
Shaylin Grimes, selected as the program’s 2024-25 Outstanding Senior, received a new laptop for her great efforts in High School High Tech and the classroom alike. The scholar will graduate with a 4.0 grade-point average.
“I feel like High School High Tech has brought me closer to my fellow students,” said Grimes, who has already been accepted and enrolled at North Florida College to study nursing. “It’s brought me a lot of joy to be in a group where I feel like I belong.”
Shaylin’s parents, Shane and April Grimes, were among the many who attended the celebration.
“Shaylin’s really enjoyed the different chances to learn about opportunities she wasn’t aware were out there,” said April Grimes. “It’s made her feel included.”
Speaking at the celebration, Allison Chase, president and CEO of The Able Trust, said the organization is extremely proud of the Madison County High School High Tech program.
“It’s one thing to see the pictures and read about all the wonderful things you all get to do,” said Chase, “but it’s so exciting to actually be here and hear the stories of each of the students, and what you’ve learned and what’s going to come next.”
According to Price, each participating student grows significantly throughout their time in the program.
“When some of our alumni who have jobs started out in High School High Tech, they seemed like they might never have the confidence to apply for a job,” she said. “The support we receive helps us provide opportunities the students might not otherwise be able to experience.
“This is something that we truly believe in.”
