Oak Ridge students describe hands-on workplace skills from school-run enterprise

At Monday’s Oak Ridge Board of Education meeting, students from Oak Ridge High School described how participation in a school-based enterprise helped them build workplace skills and confidence. Several staff members said the enterprise grew from a grant-writing effort and is intended to develop students’ post‑high‑school readiness.

The superintendent and a staff presenter told the board that students were involved in the program’s design from the beginning—helping to write the grant, choose a menu and set prices, practice customer service, and manage money and tasks. The presenter said the enterprise operates on campus (hosting service days) as an applied learning opportunity for students.

Three students answered prepared questions for the board. Lexi Barbarito said, “I love it being a part of something that I got to help create.” Maggie Finstead, described as a peer tutor, called the experience “one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.” Ian Wade Griffiths, identified as a senior and peer leader, said he learned “how to appropriately redirect attention” and how to handle problems that arise.

Board members and administrators framed the program as aligned with the district’s vision to prepare graduates for college, career and life. The presenter invited community members to visit the enterprise on its operating days at Oak Ridge High School.

The board’s remarks were limited to applause and an invitation to the public to attend the enterprise during scheduled times. No formal action or funding decision related to the enterprise was recorded at the meeting; the presentation was informational.