Christian County Public Schools student Kylie Radford, a participant in the Computer Science Pathway at Gateway Academy and Hopkinsville High School, is gaining valuable hands-on experience at United Southern Bank (USB) under the guidance of Mrs. Martha Steil, the bank’s HR director.
As part of her work-based learning placement, Kylie has been honing her technical skills by managing spreadsheets and other tasks integral to the bank’s operations. Beyond her technical expertise, Kylie has embraced the challenge of improving her communication skills, an area where she admits to being naturally shy. Her time at USB is helping her grow both professionally and personally as she interacts with colleagues and gains confidence in her abilities.
Kylie’s experience reflects the competencies outlined in Christian County Public Schools’ Profile of a Graduate, which prepares students for success in both their careers and communities. Through her role at USB, Kylie exemplifies:
- Career- and Work-Ready Professional: By taking on real-world tasks such as spreadsheet management, Kylie demonstrates accountability, technical proficiency, and reliability in a professional setting.
- Empathetic Communicator: As Kylie works on her communication skills, she is learning to express herself effectively, listen attentively, and build meaningful relationships with colleagues.
- Accountable Self-Starter: Kylie has taken the initiative to embrace challenges and grow beyond her comfort zone, showcasing her ability to adapt and take responsibility for her work.
United Southern Bank has long been a committed partner to Christian County Public Schools, offering students meaningful opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in professional settings. Their dedication to fostering growth among young people has made a significant impact on the development of students like Kylie, preparing them for future careers and life beyond high school.
Christian County Public Schools is grateful for the partnership with United Southern Bank and their continued investment in student success. Programs like these demonstrate the importance of collaboration between schools and local businesses in creating pathways for students to achieve their goals.
For more information about the Fusion Work-Based Learning Program or to explore partnership opportunities, contact:
Kelly L. Gates
Workforce Programs Specialist
Kelly.Gates@christian.kyschools.us
270-887-7030
Congratulations to Kylie Radford for her hard work and growth during this experience, and thank you to United Southern Bank for providing students with the tools and opportunities to succeed!
