The Fusion Work-Based Learning Program is giving students hands-on experience in professional settings, and Alana Ashbery, a Hopkinsville High School Business Pathway student, is making the most of her opportunity at The City of Hopkinsville’s Planters Bank/Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex.
A Dynamic Business Learning Experience
Under the supervision of Tony Henson, Alana assists with the many operational aspects of this 54,000-square-foot, climate-controlled indoor sports complex. The state-of-the-art facility offers space for a variety of sports, competitive leagues, tournaments, recreational activities, and community events. Beyond athletics, the Sportsplex serves as a hub for birthday parties, meetings, and gatherings, along with its Game Day Café.
Alana’s role at the Sportsplex allows her to gain hands-on experience in:
- Facility management – Understanding the logistics of operating a large-scale event space.
- Customer service – Interacting with visitors, teams, and event organizers.
- Event coordination – Assisting in scheduling and managing tournaments, parties, and recreational activities.
- Business operations – Learning the financial and administrative aspects of running a successful facility.
Preparing for a Future in Business
Through this experience, Alana is developing key employability skills, such as time management, professionalism, adaptability, and teamwork—all essential for success in any business environment. By working in a high-energy, fast-paced setting, she is learning how to problem-solve, communicate effectively, and provide excellent service to customers and event participants.
Thank You to the City of Hopkinsville and the Sportsplex Team
Christian County Public Schools extends a sincere thank you to The City of Hopkinsville, the Planters Bank/Jennie Stuart Health Sportsplex, and Supervisor Tony Henson for their support of the Fusion program. Their investment in student development is helping build a strong future workforce and providing invaluable real-world experiences for students like Alana.
Get Involved
If your business or organization is interested in hosting a Work-Based Learning student, contact:
Kelly L. Gates
Workforce Programs Specialist
Kelly.Gates@christian.kyschools.us
270-887-7030
Great job, Alana, and thank you to the Sportsplex for providing an incredible learning environment for our students!
