Dickinson ISD 18+ Students Earn Certifications and Job Offers Through Work-Based Learning Program

Dickinson ISD is proud to recognize the accomplishments of students in the district’s 18+ Work-Based Learning Program, who recently earned Texas Food Handlers Certifications and received local job offers through hands-on training in the hospitality industry.

Thanks to a long-standing partnership with Moody Gardens Hotel and Convention Center, students have gained valuable weekly experience in real-world job settings—learning essential tasks such as table setting, rolling silverware, folding towels, meal preparation, and assisting in the gift shop and ticketing station. This partnership represents the district’s first formal experience training program of its kind and continues to provide impactful opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities preparing for independent adulthood.

On May 2, 2025, the following students earned their Texas Food Handlers Certifications:

• Ronnie Lewis

• Santiago Camargo

• Jessika House

• Ethan Henry

• Marc Syes

In addition to these certifications, three students have received job offers:

• Jessika House – Photographer, Discovery Museum at Moody Gardens (Hired 5/2/25)

• Ronnie Lewis – Server Assistant/Busser, Moody Gardens (Hired 5/20/25)

• Sarah Dang – Food-To-Go Staff, Bayside Motel (Graduate, Class of 2025)

These achievements highlight the success of the 18+ Program in preparing students for meaningful employment and building bridges between education and the workforce. Dickinson ISD is especially grateful to Moody Gardens for their continued support and commitment to providing inclusive opportunities that empower every student to thrive.