District 218 ATP sells out at Winter Farmer's Market

Last Saturday the crew from High 5 in District 218 set up shop at the Winter Farmer's Market at the Palos Heights Rec Center. Shoppers recognized the quality and creativity of the merchandise and bought nearly everything.

They head next to the craft fair at St. John Fisher Catholic Church, 10200 S/ Washtenaw in Chicago, on Friday, December 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. and their own Deck the Halls event (open to the public) at the District 218 Administrative Center, 10701 S. Kilpatrick Avenue in Oak Lawn, on Friday, December 10 from 10 a.m. to noon.

"The High 5 Crew did an amazing job at the Palos Heights Indoor Winter Market! We sold out of the porch boards, glass bottles, and garden flags and hardly had anything left to pack up," said Adult Transition Program vocational coordinator Kerry McNicholas.

"It was so wonderful to see so many people come out and support us from the community. A special thanks to our talented crew, Casey Barker, Ariana Avalos and Liam Law. These three students did a fantastic job answering customers' questions, locating items, working the cash register and doing it all with a smile," she added.

Mrs. McNicholas, teacher Tim Dougherty and job coach Ashley Haehnlein did an amazing job reinforcing skills and organizing this fantastic event.

ATP serves graduates of Eisenhower, Richards, and Shepard high schools ages 18 to 22 with special needs. In addition to continuing their education, students learn a range of vocational skills through ATP High 5 is their small business -- students design and create all the merchandise.