Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Gallery (click any photo to view the gallery)

Chuck Gill, a senior, clocks in weekdays at Dairy Queen. He generally works from 11 a.m. to 4 or 5 p.m.

Seventeen-year-old Chuck Gill pursued a part-time job for several months before landing at the Dairy Queen on Virginia Avenue.

“It’s time to man up,” he recalled saying – time to prove his maturity and help out his family.

It’s a familiar story among teenagers who want to exercise their freedom and earn some spending money. But for Chuck, a student with special needs, the journey could have had a few extra wrinkles.

Fortunately, Fayette County Public Schools has employment trainers to help kids like him prepare resumes, fill out applications and practice social skills, such as dealing with customers. The trainers can also help the teens shop for appropriate work clothes and drive them to their job sites.

Brian McIntyre, who works with students in the AIM alternative program at the “It’s About Kids” Support Services main campus, usually drops Chuck off at the Dairy Queen after his morning classes.

“This young man has overcome a plethora of barriers to get where he’s at today. He’s such a good kid with a good attitude,” said McIntyre, who happened to be Chuck’s physical science teacher at Lafayette High School.

“He was that freshman who paced your floor during class. Now that he’s a senior, he’s doing things in his life,” McIntyre said.

Chuck, who is on track to graduate in December, has worked at DQ for about a month – manning the grill, dropping fries in the basket and taking his turn on trash patrol.

“It’s changed my life,” he said, noting that he’s not so shy anymore and has made a lot of new friends at work.

Having a part-time job has also helped ease his anxiety levels and improved his focus at school.

“It keeps me motivated to exercise, too,” he added. “I can’t stay on the video games anymore – I want to get outside.”

Coincidentally, it was while walking through his neighborhood one day that he noticed the “Help Wanted” sign at the Dairy Queen. He went in by himself and filled out an application. McIntyre followed up to smooth the way for an interview.  

“I’m always open to helping (co-op) students. They make for good employees,” said general manager Rick Waugh, noting how these teens have not only a boss but also a teacher behind them.

The backing of his DQ co-workers has matched the support Chuck receives in the school system’s AIM program, which he joined last year.

“Everybody gets treated the same and nobody is left out,” he explained.

Touting Chuck’s positive experience, McIntyre said his students have the potential to do well in the community.

“For the most part, they can get out and work a part-time job and feel good about themselves and have a paycheck to cash every week.

“One of the main goals is for our kids to be productive members of society. We’re teaching them to let go of high school,” he said. “With enough support, they can be successful.”

Did you know?

AIM is an alternative integrated model developed for high school students with disabilities who need additional support in a more individualized setting. AIM is considered a continuum of services for students with disabilities who struggle with academics or vocational skills. For more information, contact program administrator Rachel Baker.