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Project Search class of 2026 celebrated at Johnson City Medical Center
Summary
Hospital leaders, educators and partner agencies honored five Project Search interns at a Johnson City Medical Center ceremony, praising the program’s three 9-week internships and its role in preparing students for paid employment.
Project Search graduates were honored in a ceremony at Johnson City Medical Center where hospital and community partners celebrated five interns who completed a school-year internship program aimed at workplace independence.
Tara Chubb, associate administrator at Johnson City Medical Center, said she pushed to bring Project Search to the hospital after learning about the program and described how staff across departments helped make it possible. "To be able to see what you all bring to our hospital each and every day, I cannot speak enough words of how proud we are," Chubb said.
Dr. Rizzell, introduced by the ceremony host, called the day "one of the most exciting days of the year," and thanked families, teachers and hospital staff. "You've learned vital job skills, adapted to new environments ... and you've become an important part of this team," Dr. Rizzell said.
Organizers and speakers credited a partnership among Johnson City Schools, Ballad Health, Goodwill and Tennessee Vocational Rehabilitation for supporting the program. A presenter described Project Search as offering three 9-week internships during the school year with the goal that graduates locate paid work after completing the program.
Several interns shared short testimonials about the skills they gained. One intern said, "I feel more confident in myself because I know I can do it," while others described tasks they trained on, including food service, folding towels, environmental services and patient transport.
The ceremony included a video prepared by Science Hill High School's AV team, presentation of completion certificates and public recognition of managers, mentors, job coaches and departmental staff who worked with the interns. Chubb said she hopes some graduates will become hospital team members soon.
Organizers said the program at Johnson City Medical Center is now in its second full year; they thanked families and partner agencies for their support and encouraged graduates to build on the skills they demonstrated during internships.
