Local students ‘Make It Work’

WARREN — Eighteen-year-old Blake Lyons found an artistic way to pay tribute to his grandfather Robert James Lyons, who died in November 2021.

Lyons, a 2022 Warren Woods-Tower High School graduate, made a decorative plaque in his grandpa’s honor while in the Make It Work program this summer at Enterprise High School in the Warren Woods Public Schools district.

“I like how it turned out,” Lyons said of the granite plate that included his grandpa’s name and the image of a train engraved on it. Looking at it reminds Lyons of the times he and his grandpa talked about trains or would catch and release frogs. 

Lyons and three other students — Emon Barua, Landon Cribbs and Zachary Kessler — attended the Make It Work program from Aug. 1 to 11. The program ran from 8:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. WWPS occupational therapist Michele Morgan and certified occupational therapy assistant Genna Harland coordinated this summer’s program.

“They’ve done really well,” Harland said. “There’s so much improvement and so much growth.”

The Make It Work program was a collaboration between Warren Woods Public Schools, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, and Michigan Works. Students who have a disability must have a case with Michigan Rehabilitation Services to qualify for the program. 

Lyons, Barua, Cribbs and Kessler made a number of items, including pens, wood puzzles, magnets, and wood and granite pieces that include inspirational quotes. While at work, the students learned the basics of computer numerical control machining, woodburning, graphic design, laser cutting and dye sublimation. They operated power tools, and many of the projects included engraving, digital die cutting, metal stamping and computerized embroidery.

“It’s very hands-on,” Lyons said. “We make a lot of things.”

While the program has existed for several years, it is now recognized by the state as a job site. Michigan Works joined the Make It Work team this year, which provided paid work experiences for the students. For the first time, each student was paid $14 per hour to participate. The students even received a personal message via video from Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II about the new job site status. 

According to Morgan, Make It Work addresses not only the technical aspects of work but also the emotional barriers students often face. That could include fear, depression and anxiety while working. In Make It Work, the students learn about the stresses people face when on the job and the importance of preparing mentally for work. At each work session this summer, the students underwent emotional check-ins and had lessons in practical ways to deal with stress on the job. 

“They learned to keep track of how they are feeling,” Morgan said. “The students tracked their feelings every day.”

Kessler, 17, will be a senior at Warren Woods Tower High School this year. Barua, 19, graduated from WWT in 2022, and Cribbs, 18, is a Lake Shore High School 2022 graduate. All four agreed the program kept them busy. 

“I feel, by being busy, you spend your time doing something useful,” Lyons said. 

When Kessler was in the early stages of the program, he found the machines confusing. But after some practice, he caught on. 

“When you get the hang of it, it’s easy,” he said. 

Make It Work also helps the students prepare for their futures, such as attending college or finding employment. Lyons, for instance, will be looking for a manufacturing job while Barua plans to attend the Rising Stars Academy in Center Line. The postsecondary public culinary arts academy is for students with special needs ages 18-26. 

A fun aspect of the program was having lunch together, talking sports or playing Uno. Kessler is a huge football fan and would like to play college football. His favorite athlete is NFL quarterback Tom Brady.