On April 30, Project SEARCH Matthews hosted its annual Signing Day event, welcoming rising interns and their families as they officially committed to the program by signing their letters of intent for the next school year. Project SEARCH is a one-year program at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center that follows the extended course of studies (Extensions classes), provides internships throughout the hospital and teaches valuable life skills to young adults with disabilities.

Current Project SEARCH interns — Guadalupe, Kendrick, Joshua, Da’Mario, Serdar, Tony and Gabriel — played a leading role in the event. They warmly greeted guests, provided directions and served as outstanding ambassadors for the program. During the welcome address, Tony supported Project SEARCH Skills instructor Yesenia Rivero by serving as a translator, helping ensure all families felt informed and included.

The members of the Project SEARCH Matthews Class of 2027 are:

• Matthew Abreham | David W. Butler High
• Chiemezie Dimgba | Independence High
• Joshua Eudy | Myers Park High
• Rodrigo Gomez | Independence High
• Makayla Jones | Myers Park High
• Jeremiah Mayfield | Myers Park High
• Erick Pacheco | South Mecklenburg High
• Christian Thomas | Providence High

The celebration brought together families and community partners, including members of the Charlotte‑Mecklenburg Schools Exceptional Children department, classroom teachers, InReach, EIPD (Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities) and Novant Health. The event concluded with refreshments and informal time for connection and celebration.

Signing Day was a memorable occasion that highlighted collaboration, inclusion and the exciting journey ahead for the newest Project SEARCH Matthews interns.