Special students show their skills at annual Job Olympics

Grafton High School special-education students took the spotlight in the Job Olympics at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mequon last month.

“It shows our community how employable our students are. Our goal is to get the students employed when they leave high school,” Grafton High School special-education teacher Marikay Aria said. “The event really showcases their talents.”

Ten students from the school participated  in the event Thursday, May 30, along with about 100 other area students from school districts such as Elmbrook, Kewaskum, West Bend and Hartford.

Rather than the sporting events associated with summer and winter games of Special Olympics, students took part in competitions involving skills they’ll need to secure a job.  

Area employers from businesses and supportive agencies such as Portal Inc. were on hand to help and judge the students on their job skills. 

The event began with an opening ceremony fashion show that taught the students about what is considered appropriate business attire. 

During the competition, students were placed at a variety of workstations that included collating and shredding paper, counting money, writing job applications, folding clothes, measuring liquids, interviewing and waiting on customers at a restaurant.

“They were learning skills they could use in a real-life job,” Aria said.

Organizer Sue Maus of the West Bend School District said the competition allowed students to practice skills they’ve worked on in class and at volunteer work sites in their communities.

“The whole part of them being nervous and out of their element is a big thing with job interviews,” she said. “They’re in front of strangers. That’s what they’re going to face in the real world.”

During lunch, students participated in a sandwich-building competition, which taught them the importance of teamwork, Aria said.

After lunch, awards were presented to students ranging from first to third place in each event.  

Aria said MATC has been hosting the event for more than 10 years, and Grafton High School previously held a similar event for its students at the school.

Aria said students didn’t receive job offers after the event, but they left more comfortable and confident to join the workforce. 

“The event was meant to be fun and to showcase what they can do instead of getting them into a career that day,” she said.