On Thursday, April 11, 2024, members of the iExcel community will gather to honor Kevin Pendergast’s last day at Scituate High School as he prepares to join an adult program in Cohasset. Kevin first came to Scituate in September of 2017 when he was 15-years-old. On Friday, April 12th, he will celebrate his 22nd birthday. 

According to Kevin, he was super excited to join the iExcel program when he came to SHS. Since then, he’s made many happy memories with friends, including Christian, Louie, Claire, Finn, Stephen, Nicky, Bridgid, Coleman, Mackenzie, NyNy, Carlie, and Jack. Kevin also enjoyed learning with Riley and Paul, who graduated from the program.   

Kevin’s teachers and paraprofessionals have also influenced his education over the past seven years. Most recently, Julie Meredith, Michael Timcoe, Sara Carlezon, Kristin Arnold, Ann Marie Minichiello, Heather Beebe, Tina Gruner, Wendy Koski, and Emily Newkirk worked closely with him. Kevin said he loves spending time with his vocational coordinator, Margaret Jankins, as he “helps out with food prep” and prepares for his “next step after graduation.” According to special education teacher Michael Timcoe, “Mrs. Jenkins is the iExcel vocational coordinator who worked with Kevin to develop job skills. She taught him skills from spreading butter and peanut butter all the way to food prep for the school cafeteria.”

Kevin exclaimed that his favorite food prep activities were making peanut butter and fluff sandwiches, salsa, and the fan favorite, “circle pizzas.” However, Kevin wasn’t just working with food prep; his hard work also transferred to working in the high school cafeteria’s dish room: Kevin cleaned trays, dishes, and other items left after lunch. Mrs. Jankins helped Kevin develop numerous kitchen skills that will assist him in the future. 

When asked about his favorite memories from iExcel, Kevin quickly responded: “All the memories from 2017 to 2024!” In particular, Kevin thrived while participating in the Best Buddies program and numerous class field trips. Recently, he has been sharing energetic morning announcements about the Unified Sports program.

Every year during the holiday season, Kevin entertained students and staff with his unique rendition of “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.” Students at Gates and SHS were treated to his lively performance, during which he always wore his favorite Grinch sweatshirt. Mr. Timcoe remarked, “The hard work Kevin put into the performance made him more independent.”

Kevin’s friendly personality and dedicated work ethic will influence his future plans, which include working at the Launch Vocational Program in Cohasset. Throughout his time at iExcel, Kevin has achieved many amazing accomplishments, and he is ready for the next step. Guaranteed to be an asset to his new program, Kevin is known for his ability to “break the ice” for others. As Mr. Timcoe reflected on Kevin’s contribution to SHS, he remarked, “Kevin brings everyone together.”