Henry Daily Herald

Special Photo: Jennifer Castillo, a senior at Ola High School in McDonough, was named Henry County Schools Work-Based Learning Program’s first Student of the Month.

Henry County Schools’ Work-Based Learning Program recently announced its first “Student of the Month,” Jennifer Castillo.

The recognition is the first in a series of awards by the program that is dedicated to providing high school students with valuable work experience and career guidance.

Castillo, 18, is a senior at Ola High School, in McDonough. She is currently serving as an intern at Delta Community Credit Union, on Mt. Zion Parkway, in Stockbridge.

“Some kids my age don’t know what it’s like to work,” Castillo said. “To be able to get this experience and have the responsibilities I have, means a lot to me.”

The student was selected, last spring, from 15 candidates representing all nine of the school district’s high schools actively participating in the program.

“We began this recognition to celebrate the accomplishments of our students in Work-Based Learning, and to honor the businesses throughout Henry County that realize the value of investing in our students,” said Sharon Bonner, Henry County Schools’ Career, Technical and Agricultural Education coordinator.

“We hope this honor will inform the residents and businesses in Henry County of the significance of Work-Based Learning and the advantages for both the students and businesses who participate in the program,” stressed Bonner.

Castillo has been able to balance the responsibilities of school and work, while taking multiple advanced placement courses and participating in her school’s yearbook program.

She described her experience at Delta Community Credit Union, as an introduction into the corporate world. “It was an eye opener to see this type of business, the corporate world, and this working environment,” said Castillo. “It is completely different from my family’s business that I am accustomed to. I love my job and everything that I am experiencing here.”

Castillo plans to study, either architecture, or engineering. She was recently accepted to the Georgia Institute of Technology. She said she hopes to, one day, own her own business, which will deal with architectural engineering.

“I am so proud of her for being a good student and a good employee,” said Christina Hinz, the work-based learning instructional leader at Ola High.