Tuesday, Apr. 20, 2010
Go for the Gold
Job Olympics showcases special education students
Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff
Julie Scheidegger, the Journal
Blue Springs High School student Sean Russell talks with Mark Moberly, vice president of Hawthorn Bank, and student volunteer Hannah Frye for a mock job interview during the Job Olympics at Unity Village April 16. The event allows special education students to compete in job-related acitivies from child care to food preparation, interact with local employers, practice interview techniques and demonstrate job skills. The 8 to 10 minute interview allows students to get feedback on their technique including composure and confidence.
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closeBlue Springs High School senior Sean Russell was ready to show off his skills.
Dressed in a button-down shirt and tie, Russell quickly stacked shelves, hoping to impress the judges. “I had fun,” Russell said afterward. “I liked it.”
Russell was competing in Job Olympics – an all-day program where special education students from the Blue Springs, Lee’s Summit and Belton school districts, compete in 20 different job-related events.
“Job Olympics is really here to bring awareness to the community about exactly what special education students are capable of,” said event creator Kelly Twenter. “There are a lot of misconceptions about students with disabilities.”
Twenter is a life skills teacher at Lee’s Summit High School. Six years ago, he had the idea for the MOVE, or Making Opportunities in Vocation Education, Job Olympics.
“This program gives our special education students a chance to show off what they can do,” Twenter said. “For example, some might not be able to verbalize, ‘I’m very good at bagging groceries.’ But they can show the employer that they can bag groceries.”
Students can compete in up to 20 events including personal appearance, interview, bagging groceries, working a cash register and carpentry, among others. Students are split into three different levels depending on their abilities, and could win a bronze, silver or gold medal in their level.
“I’ve won two medals before, one in personal appearance and in computers” said Ally Ausmus, a senior at Lee’s Summit North High School and one of the 105 participants. “I really like Job Olympics because it gives you a lot of energy and powers you up to compete.”
Local business owners were also on hand to act as judges during the events. Matt Mitchell, who owns the Culver’s franchises in Blue Springs and Lee’s Summit, said he’s been involved in the Job Olympics program since its beginning.
“This is a very rewarding program,” Mitchell said. “Every year I see something special.”
Mitchell was a judge in the interview room, talking to level one students.
“Level one are the lower-functioning students,” he explained. “So for us, if they can greet us, make eye-contact and answer our questions appropriately, they’ve done a great job.”
Mitchell said because he’s been involved in Job Olympics for so long, he usually sees students multiple years in a row.
“It’s great when you see a student for the second year and maybe this time they’re able to answer questions better or even make more eye-contact. Everything is a victory,” he said.
Also at the Job Olympics were student volunteers from local high schools. Aubrey Meyer, a junior at Lee’s Summit High School, said she’s been involved for the past two years.
“Mr. Twenter was my advisor freshmen and sophomore year so I learned about the program through him,” Meyer said. “At first I didn’t really know what to expect, but it turned out to be a lot of fun.”
Student helpers are assigned to help the local business owners conduct interviews or they help the students competing.
“It’s fun to watch the students because they get so excited,” Meyer said with a smile. “Last year, there was a student who won a silver medal and it was great to see him cheer for himself, and everyone else cheer him on too.”
LSHS junior Colin Jarrett said he wanted to win a medal for his girlfriend, Ashley.
“So far, my favorite thing has been bagging groceries,” Jarrett said. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I just try to work hard and maybe I’ll get a medal.”
“An event like this can help prepare students to have a job someday,” Mitchell said. “And for the business owners, any way we can impact the community in a good way is great. (Blue Springs) residents are eating and spending money at our restaurant, what better way to give back then by volunteering at an event like this one.”
For Russell, the Job Olympics was simply a fun day.
“My favorite event is the custodial one, because I mop the floors at my high school,” he said. “I do really good at that event.”
To reach Journal reporter Emily Jarrett, call 816-282-7018 or e-mail ejarrett@ bluespringsjournal.com.
