Written by: Ainsley Hall and published in The Martinsburg Journal on APRIL 15, 2025, link to the article HERE.
MARTINSBURG — Berkeley County Schools recognized March’s Work Exploration students from each of the four high schools.
Through this program, students with disabilities get the opportunity to experience different careers throughout the area and find a future path after graduation.
For the month of March, Hedgesville High School decided to recognize senior Hailey Nicholson. This is her second year in the program, and she has worked in several different places, including Butterflies and Bullfrogs, St. Bernadette Catholic Church and Eagle Diner.
According to her bio, Nicholson’s co-workers are sad to see her leave whenever she moves on to her next business. She has proven her skills and shown a positive attitude whenever she faces a new task.
Chase May is a student from Martinsburg High School. Through this program, he’s worked at ROCS, Jersey Mike’s and DeFluri’s Fine Chocolates, learning how to serve customers and get them what they need.
May brings a positive energy to the work environment and is always eager to learn.
“He is a hardworking, dependable student, who always aims to please,” his bio said. “Chase doesn’t hesitate to lend a hand to fellow workers and consistently pushes through challenges to complete the job. His upbeat personality and easygoing nature make him a pleasure to work with and a valued member of any team.”
Alvin Hoppe is a junior at Musselman High School and is in his second year in the Work Exploration program. He’s worked at Tripp’s Flooring, Fox Auto, Butler Farms, Ameritech Tire and Auto and ROCS. He enjoys working with his hands putting down flooring and fixing up cars.
According to his bio, Hoppe plans to pursue a career in farming after graduation. With his passion for hands-on work and his ability to work well with others, Hoppe is sure to succeed.
Spring Mills High School’s Marcus Manning is described as hardworking and dedicated. He’s helped serve food at Pizza Montese and Spring Mills Diner through the Work Exploration program, treating customers with respect.
Despite some of his physical limitations, Manning faces each and every challenge and works hard to finish his tasks.
“Marcus’s resilience, optimism and uplifting ‘can-do’ attitude inspire not only his classmates but also the employees he interacts with at both businesses,” Manning’s bio read. “He truly embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication.”
For more information about the program, visit HERE.