Summer jobs offer growth for Foxfire students

ZANESVILLE — Sean Smith learned the importance of having a job last summer.

It's why Smith, who will be a sophomore next year, returned to the Foxfire Summer Job program this year at the Muskingum County Fairgrounds.

"Sometimes, the work can be hard, but it's actually fun," Smith said. "I get to work with my friends. It's good to be out here and doing different things."

The Muskingum County Fair Board is one of several summer employers for Foxfire students, thanks to funding from the Muskingum County Job and Family Services.

Solomon Curtis, Foxfire's outreach coordinator and director of student and transitional services, said the focus is to provide job skills that will benefit high school students as they prepare to enter the workforce.

The students were preparing the fairgrounds this week for the Muskingum County Fair, which takes place in August. Their jobs included power washing stables, painting fences, mowing, weed eating and janitorial work, noted Curtis.

This is the sixth year for the program, as 22 supervisors work with the students, who are provided transportation, breakfast and lunch through the funding. Other employers are Goodwill, VFW, Eastside Community Ministries and Small Town Graphics.

Curtis added the students working with Small Town Graphics are learning screen printing and making T-shirts for everyone in the program.

"Our superintendent Todd Whiteman envisioned providing routine and structure for a whole year, and this helps us with that," Curtis said. "This is the first opportunity for many of these students to have a job. We want them to learn the soft skills like the importance of showing up on time, teamwork and positive work ethic.

"We keep track of how many students take part in this program then get other jobs," he added. "This is the first time they get paychecks, and this program also keeps them safe. This program is a blessing, and even a savior, to our students."

The program follows the school's mantra of Every Child Deserves a Champion, said Curtis. The supervisors also emphasize the importance of following the three Rs: Respect, Responsible, Resilient.

Todd Van Reeth, one of the supervisors, has assisted the program and seen the positive impact it has on students.

"This is a tremendous chance for these kids," he said. "It's not only a chance to work and learn job skills, but it allows them to give back to the community. That's a big reason why we do this."

Alisha Smith, who will be a sophomore, is in her first year with the program. She said the program has helped her relationship skills.

"I used to not get along with people, but this teaches me good teamwork and makes it easier for me to get along with others," Smith said. "Also if I feel like giving up, I know I have to push through. It can be tough, but it's been helpful."

Shawnte Hanning, who was power washing the horse stables, deals with anxiety, but the job eases that feeling.

"This work helps me relax," Hanning noted. "By working together, we also get things done quicker. It's fun to work as a team."

Curtis noted numerous students have used him as a reference when applying for jobs. He recalled one student who worked for Goodwill and earned his forklift and industrial floor cleaning certifications at that job. Now, he earns more than $50,000 at a job in Columbus.

Curtis added another student thanks him every time he sees him while working at a local Wendy's.

Those stories are why Curtis and others are willing to sacrifice their time to mentor the students.

"Some of these kids face all sorts of struggles or are dealing with traumatic situations," he said. "We want to give these kids real world experience. We're helping them with communication skills and showing them the importance of developing and maintaining relationships.

"So many parents are thankful we're doing this for their kids," he added. "We want to help make their lives better, and seeing the results show we're doing it the right way."

Coming Sunday in the TR

A look at the job market and what that means for summer jobs.

bhannahs@gannett.com

Twitter: @brandonhannahs

This article originally appeared on Zanesville Times Recorder: Summer jobs offer growth for Foxfire students