The School District of Lancaster celebrates a decade-long partnership with the Marriott in Downtown Lancaster and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), fostering meaningful employment opportunities for students with diverse abilities. Over the past 10 years, this collaboration has created a ripple effect of benefits, not just for the students and staff but also for the dedicated team at the Marriott and Lancaster County Convention Center.
A hallmark of the program is its ability to equip students with skills and experiences that often lead to full-time employment. Beyond the professional growth, a true sense of community has flourished through SDoL’s daily presence at the Marriott, enriching the work environment for all involved.
Holiday Collaboration Showcases Student Talent
In 2023, this partnership took a creative turn when SDoL students were invited to contribute to the Marriott’s holiday décor. Students designed ornaments that adorned a grand tree in the main lobby, infusing the festive season with a personal and heartfelt touch.
This year, the Marriott once again reached out to SDoL, requesting student artwork to feature in their holiday display. Students from the following schools and programs poured their creativity into pieces that are now proudly displayed in the Marriott:
- King Elementary – Led by Tiffany Davis and her students
- Ross Elementary – Guided by Emily Betancourt and her students
- Wharton Elementary – Directed by Jennifer Ashcroft and her students
- Wickersham Elementary – Coordinated by Emily Leaman and her students
- Carter and MacRae Elementary – Artwork from the Multiple Disabilities Support Class with Samantha Chioda
- JP McCaskey High School – Contributions from art teachers Mary Grace Peters, Ben Nelson, and Lisa Wolf, as well as special education teachers Kristen Bechtel, Shannon Feerrar, and Ashley Mansfield
- Pediatric Specialty Care – Creations by Faith Skillman and her students
A Culture of Giving and Learning
The Marriott and Lancaster County Convention Center have gone above and beyond in creating an environment that fosters both learning and giving. By welcoming SDoL students into their team, the Marriott has set a shining example of corporate responsibility and community engagement.
Voices from the Partnership
Marriott Director of Human Resources, Deana Hollister, reflected on the partnership’s significance:
“Our partnership with SDoL has been transformative. The energy and dedication these students bring brighten our workplace, and seeing their growth inspires us daily.”
As the holiday season unfolds, the collaboration between SDoL and the Marriott stands as a shining example of community spirit and the power of partnerships. Together, they are creating opportunities, fostering inclusion, and spreading joy—one ornament, one artwork, and one student success story at a time.
With a decade of success behind them, SDoL and the Marriott look forward to continuing to create opportunities, inspire success, and celebrate the talents of students for years to come.