All of his life, Patrick McLeod has been special.

Born on March 17, McLeod, 22, was named after the saint known for his gift of gab – a gift he shares as evidenced by two cell phones. Those who meet McLeod instantly fall under his charismatic spell. And like his namesake, McLeod has had his share of struggles and has overcome them through sheer will -- and good will. A former student at Duxbury schools, McLeod graduated last month from the town’s POST Program to a new life, filled with new possibilities. The little known program is a collaborative effort between Duxbury and Marshfield schools which seeks to help students 18 – 22 years old with special needs. The acronym stands for “providing opportunities for students transition” and that’s just what it did for McLeod. The people involved helped prepare him for a more independent life beyond the school system.

Bruce Cole the administrator of special education for Duxbury schools said the POST Program is in its fifth year and serves anywhere from two to eight students each year, depending on the need.

“They are kids who really aren’t capable of obtaining a diploma through the general curriculum,” said Cole. “A big part of it is the job readiness component where they spend a lot of time working in a local business with a job coach.”

While describing the program, Cole spoke mostly of the students and how well they succeeded in their various positions, noting how some were chosen as employees of the month and another opened his own landscaping company. When asked about McLeod, Cole beamed. He spoke highly of McLeod’s accomplishments and how hard the young man has worked to attain them.

Said Cole, “He did a tremendous job.”

Travis Dupuis, the lead teacher in the POST Program, and his team also assisted McLeod in taking the next step beyond the program. In addition to working with local businesses such as Au Bon Pain, Marshalls and Tedeschi’s to establish a volunteer partnership for students to build job skills, Dupuis and his team prepare students for launching themselves into the work world.

“They taught me how to, if like your parents aren’t around, how to do the food shopping,” said McLeod. “Food is expensive, you have to budget for it. How to call someone. A lot of special needs kids don’t know how to use the phone. They taught me interview skills, how to dress properly in an interview, what kind of clothes. And good hygiene. It’s important.”

Dupuis downplays his role, giving credit to his team and the lion’s share to McLeod himself. He said once it was clear McLeod was ready to begin interviewing for paid work, the young man stepped up and applied himself.

Another of McLeod’s champions is Tony Kelso, the Performing Arts Center (PAC) manager. He has overseen McLeod’s work at the PAC as a part-time custodian for the past eight years.

“I think he probably moved every piece of furniture in the PAC at least once if not twice,” said Kelso.

Like the others, Kelso couldn’t help but admire McLeod’s work ethic, noting how in addition to being a reliable employee, McLeod also accomplished the feat of becoming an Eagle Scout. Kelso said McLeod’s experience at the PAC helped him identify his strengths and build McLeod’s skills further for when it came time to apply for jobs beyond Duxbury and the POST Program.

With Dupuis’s help, McLeod learned of a job opening at Granite City Electric in Plymouth. They were seeking a custodian. He immediately thought of McLeod.

“In the weeks leading up to the interview, we went over his interview skills, his appearance and how to highlight his skills,” said Dupuis. “After preparing, he wowed them… Anywhere he goes, he has a positive impact on others.”

McLeod said he had already sent out 25 resumes and knew the economy was bad for everyone looking for work. Still, he had a good feeling about this one.

“I got all dressed up and I wore black pants and a tie,” said McLeod. “I was all nice and shaved. I had a resume with me. A lot of people don’t have resumes, a resume is a big responsibility.”

According to Dupuis who heard back from Granite City, it was the best interview they had ever conducted with any employee.

For McLeod, who has a second job running his own disc jockey business with a friend – Ryan/Pat DJ Mix – being a part of the POST Program made all the difference.

“I’m really happy,” said McLeod. “I’ve got my own office.”