Henry County high schools’ Work-Based Learning initiative is dedicated to providing high school students with valuable work experience and career guidance. Henry County Schools has a very active program in each of its ten high schools, and the following students earned ‘Student of the Month’ recognition for the first semester of the 2018-2019 school year.

  September – Isaiah Olvera and Hunter Harper – Hampton High School

  Two senior students from Hampton High School earned the September Work-Based Learning Students of the Month honor.  Both of the student leaders had the opportunity to intern for the City of Hampton.  They received an up-close look and hands-on experience at the interworking of city government departments and responsibilities.  Both students were inspired to explore the internship at city hall after being involved in the Transatlantic Human Rights Academy “Ambassadors in Sneakers.” 

    Harper has his sights set on a degree that combines his interest in political science and business.  He, too, hopes to attend the University of Georgia.  “I hope to become a foreign diplomat, informing people of the United States and her interests,” shared Harper.

  As for Olvera, his plans after high school include the pursuit of an undergraduate degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in international business through the University of Georgia.  “I would like to take part in various study abroad programs that will further my knowledge in engineering and business,” said Olvera.

  Melissa Roberts, Work-Based Learning Instructional Leader at Hampton High School, praised both students for their ability to balance their commitment to academics and their internship with the City of Hampton.  Roberts added, “Our school, our community, our city government, and our students are all reaping the benefits of the hard work of these two amazing young men.”

  October – Jordan Lane – Ola High School

  Ola High School senior student Jordan Lane earned the WBL Student of the Month recognition for October.  This student with a 4.22 GPA is a part of the Audio-Video Technology & Film career pathway at her school, but her Work-Based Learning opportunity allowed her the chance to work as a teller for the Georgia United Credit Union branch located inside the Academy for Advanced Studies.  Her duties at Georgia United included providing account services to customers through a variety of actions including deposits, withdrawals, cashing checks, and other financial institution activities.

   Lane has not planned out all of what she wants to do for her career, but she hopes to attend the University of Georgia or Full Sail University to gain valuable knowledge and experience for when she does decide a career to pursue.

  Her Work-Based Learning Instructional Leader, Joey DiNino shared that Lane is a standout student for their school and provides a great example for others to follow.  “She is guided by her passion to excel at whatever she does,” stated DiNino. “Mature beyond her age, Jordan is the epitome of the balanced student. She is an unselfish character with a high intellect, a proven record of leadership, creativity, and grace in the community.”

November – Kathleen Mabutin – Locust Grove High School

  Kathleen Mabutin, senior student at Locust Grove High School, was named the November Work-Based Learning Student of the Month. The career pathway she is taking classes for is the Small Business/Entrepreneurship Pathway. This course of study perfectly matches her goal of majoring in business at the University of Georgia upon graduation in May.

  Mabutin has been able to further explore her interest in business through her employment with the McDonough branch of Georgia United Credit Union. As a teller at the branch, this straight-A student consistently received praise from both customers and her supervisor. According to Mabutin, the time she has spent at the branch has been a big influence on her pursuit of a career in the business industry.

  The Work-Based Learning Instructional Leader at Locust Grove High School, Rod Pipkin, knows Mabutin well thanks to her enrollment in one of his freshman-level classes, Introduction to Business. He noted that this standout student has done a remarkable job in school and in her job with Georgia United Credit Union. “She is a very bright girl that is always looking to be excellent in everything that she does,” said Pipkin.  “I am looking forward to seeing what she accomplishes after high school especially when she gets to the University of Georgia.”

  December – Paige Miller – Union Grove High School

  Paige Miller is a senior student at Union Grove High School and currently taking classes in the Early Childhood Education Pathway. This course of study in high school and participation in the Work-Based Learning program are giving Miller the jumpstart on her future career.

  Each day, Miller heads across the street from Union Grove High School to the adjacent East Lake Elementary. It is Julia Anne Jones’ room where Miller is able to work with elementary students on their reading and writing. According to the supervising teacher, Miller is a hard worker and the children love and respect her.

  After graduation in May of 2019, Miller plans to attend Southern Crescent Technical College for two years before transferring to Clayton State University to complete her major in Education.

  Union Grove High Schools’ Work-Based Learning Instructional Leader, Kathy Spivey shared that the December Student of the Month is always smiling and is an asset to the Work-Based Learning program at the school. “Paige is a student of high integrity and excels as an intern at East Lake Elementary where she is a valuable asset,” said Spivey. “She came into the program wanting to intern at East Lake Elementary where she would be able to get firsthand experience of working with elementary students. This is her second year working as an intern with Mrs. Jones.”   For more information on the Work-Based Learning program and Henry County Schools, visit www.henry.k12.ga.us