Abigail Haught and Jamie Jones, both 2016 Hillsboro High School graduates, have been recognized as the outstanding students in the school’s Business Cooperative Program.
Haught received top honors for highest earnings and most hours worked through employment during her senior year with The Laurels of Hillsboro.
Cindy Gardner, dietary manager and supervisor to Haught, said, “Abby has a friendly personality, gets along well with the staff and guests (residents). She is a positive thinker in any given situation.”
Gardner said she appreciates the early school release program because it provides flexibility with scheduling.
Jaught is grateful for the opportunity the Business Co-op Program provided by being permitted to leave school early to gain work experience and work additional hours to earn money. She plans to continue her education at Southern State Community College pursuing a nursing degree while maintaining employment with The Laurels.
Jones received second place honors for her earnings and hours worked through employment with Kmart and Bagshaw Enterprises.
Myrtle Burns, HR lead for Kmart, said, “Jamie is a quick learner, gets along well with others and excels in the employee computer trainings. Jamie has goals and that is not often seen in our youth. I wish I had more employees like her.”
Jeanine Bagshaw, partner of Bagshaw Enterprises, said, “Jamie is highly motivated, an independent thinker, and generates a high degree of productivity. She has great relationships with her co-workers and it is a joy to have Jamie on Team Bagshaw.”
Jones appreciated the opportunity to leave school early to work. She learned a great deal about business and plans to have her own business one day. She will continue her education at Cincinnati State pursuing a degree in culinary arts.
The businesses involved with the HHS Business Cooperative Program during the 2015-16 school year were: The Laurels, Kmart, Bagshaw Enterprises, Crows Logging, LaCascada’s, Highland Computer Forms, KFC, Ventura’s Country Store, Master Feed, Pasquales Pizza, Peebles, Tux and Tan, Ponderosa, Dakota’s, Best Buy Motors, Highland Tire, The Kroger Co., McDonald’s, and Dr. Jeffery Beery. The success of this program is a direct result of each business willing to hire Hillsboro High School students.
During the school year, students completed 40 employment applications, worked 9,823 hours and earned $84,698. The students organized and managed the annual Volley for the Cure for the HHS Lady Indians, raising $2,256 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation; sponsored a family for Christmas; co-sponsored Coins for Cans with the Thespian Society for their annual food drive raising $606 for Samaritan Outreach; handmade Valentine Cards for the residents at The Laurels, and assisted the yearbook staff with advertising.
If you are interested in learning more about the Business Cooperative Program, contact Hillsboro High School at 937-393-3485 or email Paula Kiser at [email protected].
Submitted by Paula A. Kiser, Hillsboro High School business educator.
