Josh Rigney is a senior at Harlan County High School. As part of the Community Work Transition Program (CWTP), he has begun to shift his energies from his high school studies to gainful employment within the community.
Josh has benefited from the job development skills and job coaching skills provided by Harlan County Public Schools Employment Specialist Steve Daniel.
Josh completed the application process at Little Caesars Pizza and was hired following an interview with the company.
Jeannie Seals, manager, said, “for this to be his first job. He has done very well. He is very excited to work.”
She thinks with his excitement about the job, he will do just fine.
Josh mans the pizza preparation area at the Little Caesars Baxter location.
“I enjoy making the pizza and the people I work with,” said Josh.
Josh began training for employment through the Black Bear Coffee Shop at Harlan County High School. Black Bear Coffee is an adaptive skills development program which trains students in industrial skills, said Leah Coots, HCPS director of Special Education.
Jennifer Brock, the district’s Special Education consultant, said students use these life skills programs to operate a fully functional coffee shop where they take, prepare, collect, and deliver the teacher and staff orders.
Josh plays an important role in the coffee shop. In addition to the duties listed above, he is always quick to help cleanup at daily closing of the shop.
“He is always hands-on,” said Daniel.
Daniel said that Josh is active in many school activities, including the soccer team and Den Keepers. He can always be found in the stands at school sporting events, cheering on his fellow Black Bears.
“We wanted to see something like this at our high school where the students are able to practice these life skills and social skills. Mrs. Kristen Miller and Mrs. Tiffany Wilson, teachers, and along with their paraeducators, brought this vision to life for us,” said Brock.
“The kids love it. The teachers at the high school love it. It has been a very successful endeavor,” said Brock.
If you are looking for students to work part-time who are positive and personal and motivated, contact
Steve Daniel at 574-2020, extension 3610.