Sachem East Seniors Gain Competitive Edge with On-Site Security Guard License Certification Training

Sachem East hosted an incredibly impactful, full-day vocational event for our senior-level transition students. Orchestrated by Speech and Language Pathologist Doreen Schaefer, three of Ms. Schaefer’s students, Betuel Renderos,

Elwin Villatoro-Sanchez, Joseph Reyes-Santos, and Transition Coordinator Lacey Donlon-Kraker, the initiative brought a New York State-certified Security Guard trainer and program directly to our school from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

This strategic partnership enabled our graduating 18-year-olds to undergo rigorous, licensed security guard training in a familiar and supportive environment. By hosting the program on-site, the transition team successfully removed logistical and transportation barriers for families, ensuring 100% participation and access to immediate, familiar accommodations for students who needed them.

Beyond earning a powerful, industry-recognized credential that allows them to compete for gainful, integrated employment immediately upon graduation, students developed critical, real-world skills. The intensive curriculum fostered essential workplace pillars, including professionalism, conflict resolution, situational awareness, and effective communication.

Obtaining this marketable certification has been a transformative experience for our seniors, as it can help boost their confidence, encourage self-advocacy, and reinforce their readiness to succeed in the professional world.

Thank you to our dedicated staff, students, families, and community partners for showcasing Sachem East as a leader in comprehensive, post-secondary readiness for our students. We are incredibly proud of our seniors as they step confidently into their next chapters.