By Joe Bachman

A group of aspiring and inspiring students had lunch with the Mayor on Friday.

Brydon Straka meeting the Mayor before lunch. (City Times Photo)

Friday afternoon marked a lunch held at city hall for Project SEARCH students, hosted by Mayor Zach Vruwink. The city was honored to have the students take a tour of the facility afterward.

The group gathered to ask the Mayor questions about his role in the city, but more importantly, the aspirations of Project SEARCH students after they graduate the program. The program facilitates employment training for students with disabilities.

“A lot of our young adults never leave our community,” said Project Search Instructor Stefanie Tryba. “We want to help them find their niche here in the community, and stay and help Wisconsin Rapids grow as well.”

Quite the view: Mayor Vruwink shows off the view of the city with Project SEACRCH students. (City Times Photo)

The group of 11 sat with the Mayor and discussed everything from what they do in their specific jobs at Aspirus Riverview, and future aspirations. The career goals for these students range from working in the pharmaceutical industry, becoming a mechanic, and even serving in law enforcement.

“I’m impressed with these young people, especially as their learning skills become active in the workforce,” said Vruwink. “The partnership with Aspirus that is enabling this to happen is incredible, and it’s neat to see the community really wrap around it and supporting it — not to mention giving these young people jobs.”

For more information on Project SEARCH, you can visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/lhsprojectsearch/