By Julie Rossman
Correspondent
Seven, very excited young men and women received diplomas at the Shepherds College graduation ceremonies on Saturday. “It’s awesome!” exclaimed graduate Melissa Holm, Union Grove, as she described her graduation.
Holm, who received a degree in culinary arts, has worked at Burger King since 2007. She also has a part-time office job in Waterford.
Since attending Shepherds College, Burger King General Manager Denise Erdmann said Melissa has changed.
“She seems to be more eager to try new things,” Erdmann said. “Before, she was too afraid to fail,” she added.
Erdmann has known and worked with Melissa since she began working at Burger King as a high schooler.
Established in 2008, Shepherds College was designed to assist in the transitional needs of young people with intellectual disabilities. The first year at the college focuses on bible instruction, life skills and general math and language arts instruction. The second year centers on instruction in Culinary Arts or Horticulture, which ever the student chooses. During the third year, instruction continues in the chosen filed of study, employment preparedness and spiritual development. In addition, students are given an internship assignment, which provides practical experience within the field of study.
Melissa is the daughter of Don and Teresa Holm, Union Grove, where they have lived the last 10 years. Don says the family is fortunate to be so close to Shepherds. “It’s God given – right here in our own back yard,” Don said.
Two other graduates are from Southeast Wisconsin, four are from out of state and one is from the country of Singapore.
Don explained that the family has had to move around a lot with his jobs, but God has always put them in a place where Melissa could have opportunities, including Shepherds College. “It has filled the gap between high school and the real world,” he said.
Melissa presented a graduation speech to the crowd on behalf of the students, where she talked about the main things she has learned at Shepherds. “I learned to control my emotions, I learned to work as a team and I learned in Bible class – that God has a plan for me,” she said.
Melissa plans to continue work at Burger King and at her office job and will live in an apartment with a roommate.
Shepherds College Director Tracy Terrill said each of the students at Shepherds is like family. As the college grows, he will strive to keep that family feel. “The staff is so invested in the lives of the students,” he said.
Shepherds College is the only one of its kind – all of the curriculum is written and created by their staff, specifically for their students.
In addition to Melissa, the following students also received their diplomas from Shepherds: Brett Fischer, Grand Rapids, Minn.; Jocelyn Monroe, Baroda, Mich.; Seth Peters, Golden, Colo.; Pieter Roberts, Singapore; Rachel Ames, Kenosha; and Kyle Engdahl, Oak Creek.
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