Jim Thorpe Borough honored three area students Thursday night who worked for the municipality this summer as part of a state Office of Vocational Rehabilitation program.

Mason Zubritsky, Ryan Varner and Adrian Keyte completed a variety of projects in Jim Thorpe including cleanup in Memorial Park, brush removal and flower planting at the Asa Packer Mansion, brush and debris removal in Kemmerer Park and raking of topsoil in Twining Park.

“This is the second year we have had students work for us over the summer through the OVR program and it’s something we hope we can carry on into the future,” Council President Greg Strubinger said. “They pitched in on projects that were much needed here. It’s not the most desirable type of work to do over the summer, but all three were enthusiastic and ambitious.”

The OVR program aims to provide high school students with disabilities the opportunity to work for a local municipality.

Marina Gallop, representing the OVR office in Allentown, said the program serves 750 youth across the state.

“Last year was great, but I feel like the students were able to do so much more here in Jim Thorpe this year thanks to the openness and mentorship of the staff,” Gallop said. “The goal is to get these students ready for the workplace and they raved about the new things they were able to try and how they worked side by side with staff. Sometimes we don’t get the municipality to buy in, but here it works exactly as it was designed.”

While the students couldn’t make it to Thursday night’s council meeting, they will be receiving citations and letters of appreciation from the borough, Jim Thorpe Lions Club, Kemmerer Park Association, and state Rep. Doyle Heffley.

“As these young men move into the workforce, if they ever need a reference, the Kemmerer Park board will be there to help them,” Jack Sterling, Kemmerer Park Association president, said.

Kerri Gallagher and Jay McElmoyle of the Lions Club gave each student a framed sketch of the Asa Packer Mansion.

“This program really teaches the students what it means to have purpose outside of school and their regular activities,” James Moore of Living Unlimited, an organization partnering with OVR on the program. “When you have purpose, you feel you’re worth more and you’re able to do more. We really hope we’re able to do this again next year.”