At Christian County Public Schools, we believe in the power of partnerships—and this week’s spotlight is nothing short of inspiring. The YMCA has stepped forward in a big way by hiring five of our co-op students this year, creating opportunities that truly change lives. Our amazing scholars include Haley Petterson, Mersadies Woolf, Hailee Barnes, and Camaria Brewer from the Health Science Pathway, with Camaria also representing the Family and Consumer Science/Child Development Pathway. These young leaders are stepping into roles where their energy, compassion, and skills make a real difference—not only in their own growth, but in the lives of the people they serve each day.
The Health Science Pathway is more than preparation for a job in the medical field—it’s about instilling the values of service, care, and community wellness. Students like Haley, Mersadies, Hailee, and Camaria are practicing the skills they will carry into careers as nurses, therapists, doctors, or health professionals. At the YMCA, they are learning how to connect with people of all ages, promote healthy lifestyles, and serve with empathy. Every hour they spend at the Y is another step toward building a healthier, stronger community for us all.
For students like Camaria, who is serving through both Health Science and Child Development, her role goes even deeper. The Family and Consumer Science/Child Development Pathway prepares students to understand how children learn, grow, and thrive. Through her co-op experience, Camaria is seeing firsthand the importance of early childhood education and the powerful role it plays in shaping the next generation. Working in a setting like the YMCA allows her to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world practice—learning how to support children emotionally, socially, and educationally. This pathway is essential to building a strong community because it strengthens families, supports working parents, and ensures our youngest learners are nurtured and cared for.
This partnership is powerful for so many reasons. For the YMCA, these students bring fresh enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to programs that strengthen families, promote wellness, and serve the community. For the students, their co-op placements provide hands-on experience, real responsibility, and the chance to practice leadership skills that will carry them into future careers. And for our community, partnerships like this create a ripple effect that touches us all. From supporting children in development programs to promoting a culture of health and service, these opportunities prepare our youth for success while strengthening Christian County as a whole.
The YMCA is more than a place to work out—it’s a place where students are mentored, encouraged, and inspired to give back. Together, the YMCA and our students are proving that work-based learning changes the world one partnership at a time. If your business or organization would like to be part of this incredible movement, reach out to me at Kelly.Gates@christian.kyschools.us to learn more about how you can mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders.
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