One of my favorite parts of Workforce Wednesdays is celebrating the amazing ways our students are stepping into the real world and showing just how bright their futures are. This week, our spotlight shines on Da’Niyah Walton, a dedicated Culinary Pathway student who is gaining hands-on experience through her co-op placement at Wendy’s.
At Wendy’s, Da’Niyah is doing so much more than serving meals. She is learning the importance of time management, teamwork, food safety, and customer service—all while building the confidence that comes from being trusted in a professional environment. Every shift is an opportunity for her to grow her skills, connect with customers, and see firsthand how her classroom lessons translate into the workplace.
For Da’Niyah, this co-op isn’t just about today—it’s about the future. The culinary industry is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding, and she is gaining real-world experience that will help her thrive in whatever career path she chooses. By mastering employability skills like communication, responsibility, and problem-solving, Da’Niyah is preparing herself not just for a job, but for life after graduation.
And for our community, this partnership matters too. Businesses like Wendy’s that open their doors to students play a vital role in building our workforce pipeline. They give students the chance to practice “being adults,” while also shaping dependable, skilled young workers who will one day be the backbone of our local economy.
I am so proud of Da’Niyah and grateful to Wendy’s for believing in our students. Together, they are proving that co-op placements are more than work—they are powerful experiences that shape leaders, strengthen families, and build a better Christian County.
If your business would like to partner with us and make a difference in the lives of students like Da’Niyah, I would love to connect with you. Please reach out to me at Kelly.Gates@christian.kyschools.us and join us in preparing the next generation for success.
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