VOICE program celebrates graduates

Nearly 40 students who participated in the Lincoln Public Schools Vocational Opportunity in Community Experience (VOICE) program were presented with their high school diplomas Monday night during a graduation celebration held at Bryan Health Medical Center.

“What a special night,” LPS Director of Special Education Jenny Fundus said to a room full of attendees. “Honorees, thank you for being great students. We wish you the best in your future and don’t forget to stay in touch.”

The mission of the VOICE program is to prepare students with disabilities, primarily ages 18 to 21, to gain the skills and connections they need to facilitate a positive transition into adult living.

The program started more than 25 years ago and currently serves about 110 students. The program’s goal is for students to learn about independence, career development, developing self and academics. They gain community-based work and life experience at 13 different sites throughout Lincoln, including Bryan Health Warehouse, Duncan Aviation, Food Bank of Lincoln, Hy-Vee and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

This year’s VOICE graduates:

East High School

Antonio Goodteacher

James Johnson

Haley Linderman

Patrick Ray

Lincoln High School

Peter Hajda

Darius Humphrey

JaVonte’ Martin

Devin Pfohl

Rachel Pierson

Peyton Stefkovich

North Star High School

Eli Abele

Jace Angell

Kaycee Choma

Felipe Estrada-Hernandez

Quar-Nesha Hite

David King

John Nahorny

Natalie Powers

Courtney Roth

Nick Vanackeren

Myranda Wise

Northeast High School

Dalga Alibe

David Buchholz

Creighton Millsap

Matthew Stewart

Korben Twohig-Taylor

Southeast High School

Tyler Montgomery

Luke Schlicker

Daniel Vanourney

Tyson Williams

Corinne Witter

Southwest High School

Jacob Dimmitt

Elissa Fuelberth

Seth Martinson

Hayley Myers

Race Nun

Zach Sandin

Natalie Yontz

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