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Pictured are (from left) WBL coordinator LaDonna Bartmas, Hollow Springs Farms owner Peter Traudt, Michael Pless, Cooper Pless, Kelly Pless, Garrett Pless, CTAE director Pam Hill, Bradley Westmoreland, WBL coordinator Rod Pipkin, SCHS welding instructor Chris Holland, John Hughes, Jacob Traudt, Trent Brooks, Samuel Traudt.
The Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) and Stephens County High School kicked of their monthly recognition of the Work-Based Learning Student of the month for the 2022-2023 school year.
SCHS senior Garrett Pless, who is employed at Hollow Springs Farms in Eastanollee, was selected as the Student of the Month for August.
Pless has a 99 average in his classes this year and has not been absent or tardy to date.
He has worked at Hollow Springs Farms since March 2020 and his supervisor, Peter Traudt, said, “Garrett is very deserving of this recognition.”
Pless’ work-based learning coordinators Rod Pipkin and LaDonna Bartmas each described him as a young man who strives to do his best every day. He is respectful to others and a friend to everyone.
SCDA, in partnership with the high school’s work-based learning coordinators, will be honor a WBL student each month this school year.
Criteria for selection include, but are not limited to, excellence shown in the workplace, the student’s grades in WBL and overall academic achievement, extracurricular activities, school and work attendance, and overall character.
Students are nominated by their employers, teachers, work-based learning coordinators or a combination of these.
This year SCDA will present a scholarship to a graduating senior who is selected as the Work-Based Learning Student of the Year from the monthly winners.
SCDA and SCHS surprise the student of the month at their workplace and present them with a plaque and small gift for their accomplishment.
Bulldog Carwash is partnering with SCDA as a sponsor by donating free carwashes to the students.
“The WBL program has a large impact on small businesses and existing industries in our community. As workforce needs increase, it is great to have these students available to help local businesses continue to succeed,” said SCDA president and CEO Brittany Ivey.
If you are interested in sponsoring a WBL student of the month, contact SCDA at 706-886-4242.
For more information about the Career, Technical and Agriculture Education Programs or the Work-Based Learning Program at Stephens County High School, contact Pam Hill, CTAE director at pam.hill@stephenscountyschools.org or by calling Stephens County High School at 706-886-6825.