Meet success story Rebekah Galloway
By: Johanna Elattar
In the town of Hornell, New York, a groundbreaking initiative is empowering students with special needs by equipping them with essential life skills and real-world experience. At the heart of this program is Peggy Sue Nankivell, a passionate paraprofessional for special needs students in the Hornell Schools, who also serves as a real estate agent at Howard Hanna Real Estate. Peggy Sue’s dedication to her students goes far beyond the classroom, offering them invaluable opportunities that extend throughout their community and well into their futures.
One of Peggy Sue’s standout students is Rebekah Galloway, a teenager who exemplifies the program’s success. Rebekah, along with other teens in the program, participates in a variety of work-based learning experiences at local businesses such as Brandy’s Cup of Joe, Cozy Cats and Kittens, Tractor Supply, and The Whistle Stop Laundromat. They also lend a hand at the local police and fire departments, helping to clean, organize, and assist with various tasks. These businesses not only benefit from the students’ hard work but also provide the students with hands-on experience that builds both skill and confidence.
Peggy Sue fondly recalls an unforgettable moment when one of the teens, after gaining invaluable experience through the program, was offered a job at a local golf course. This opportunity is a shining example of how the work-based learning program is opening doors that might not have otherwise been accessible.
But it’s not all about work. Peggy Sue emphasizes that fun and community engagement are just as vital to the program. For example, when the students visit the fire department, they’re given a chance to let loose and enjoy some water fights. These lighthearted moments are a reminder that the program is about more than just job training—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and joy.
For students like Rebekah, birthdays are special, too. In a sweet tradition, students are treated to a drink at Brandy’s Cup of Joe to celebrate their big day, further building connections with the local businesses and making them feel valued in their community.
The benefits of this program go far beyond the high school years. Students are supported in their education until they turn 22, and when they leave the school system, they have the opportunity to transition into the R.I.S.E. program at Alfred State. This program focuses on academic instruction, employment experiences, and the development of independent living skills, ensuring that these students are well-prepared for the next phase of life.
The work-based learning program also allows students to contribute to their school environment. Rebekah and her peers operate a student-run café, where they sell coffee, tea, and hot chocolate to teachers. It’s a hands-on way for them to practice job skills like customer service, money management, and team collaboration. On Fridays, they take their skills to the next level, selling homemade baked goods such as sugar cookies and cinnamon rolls—best sellers that have become a hit among both staff and students.
What’s truly remarkable about Peggy Sue’s work is how it empowers these students to believe in their abilities. They are not defined by their challenges but by the skills, independence, and confidence they develop along the way. As Peggy Sue aptly puts it, the program is about giving these young adults the tools they need to lead successful, fulfilling lives—whether that means gaining employment or simply navigating the world with greater independence.
The work-based learning program in Hornell isn’t just shaping future employees; it’s cultivating empowered, self-assured individuals ready to take on whatever comes next. Thanks to the dedication of Peggy Sue Nankivell and the community that supports this program, these students are well on their way to creating their own paths in the world.
Johanna Elattar is a journalist and writer for the Sun. Her work, recognized by Oxford University Press, focuses on local history, human stories, and giving voice to underrepresented perspectives. You can reach her anytime at, americangrrl70@gmail.com
