North Carroll Community School

I’m Sam Havighurst, President of North Carroll Community School in Westminster. We’ve been in operation for twenty years and have consistently valued creating a positive and inclusive work culture. About two years ago, we made the decision to hire Hunter DeMarcy as an instructional assistant for our PE program. After a chance encounter with Hunter while visiting Target’s offices, it became clear that his passion for working with students, combined with his love of athletics, made him the perfect fit for our school community. Although we initially had concerns about the logistics of doing so, given the requirements for working in a school setting, we were able to do so, and it’s been a positive experience for all parties involved.
Having Hunter as a part of our staff and community has been a huge benefit. His natural connections with students and his ability to form relationships with them are amazing. Having a staff member who our students with learning differences or disabilities can connect with and see as a role model has been a huge plus as well. Hunter leads by example each day and shows all those he comes into contact with the power of a positive attitude, perseverance, and never giving up on one’s dreams and aspirations. I’ve watched Hunter navigate relationships with other staff members and students, learn best practices for the classroom, and handle the unexpected that comes each day in a school setting.
He’s grown in his ability to teach, support, and enhance the experience of everyone in our community. He is now an integral part of what we do, and we can’t imagine him anywhere besides NCCS. For anyone who may be hesitant to work with or hire those with disabilities, I would encourage you to put your fears or skepticism aside and take a chance on the fantastic individuals who are out there.
The benefits of doing so will not only be evident for the individual you are employing, but for you as your business will surely benefit from all of the positive contributions that can be made. If you would like to discuss our experiences further, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I’d love to chat with you over a cup of coffee about all of the potential benefits for your business by working with Target and individuals with disabilities.