IRMO – Lexington-Richland School District Five celebrated its fourth annual First Jobs Signing Day on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, recognizing 29 students hired to work within the district.
The First Jobs Initiative was created to address the nationwide labor shortage while providing students with meaningful, paid work experience. This year’s participants will serve in student nutrition, clerical and custodial positions across the district.
Among the 29 students hired, 19 seniors will receive First Jobs graduation cords, recognizing both their employment and workforce readiness. Students from all four district high schools participated, highlighting a districtwide collaborative effort.
Student Participants
School District Five students participating include:
Daniel Ante (Clerical), Jakai Buckhanon (Student Nutrition), Lauren Byrd (Clerical), Asiya Carter (Clerical), Daphne Churchill (Clerical), Xavier Cook (Clerical), Ariel Davis (Clerical), Charles Denny (Custodial), Trinidy Fields (Clerical), Desiree Harrell (Student Nutrition), Kevion James (Clerical), Kinsey Johnson (Clerical), Kaleb Kennedy (Clerical), Ryann Kline (Clerical), Melissa Majewski (Clerical), Connor McWalters (Custodial), Jayna Osborne (Clerical), Reyna Pham (Clerical), Brysaun Pralour (Clerical), Evan Price (Custodial), Jacob Quinones (Custodial), Akiya Rice (Clerical), Ayden Robinson (Clerical), Jayla Strouble (Student Nutrition), Michael Thoennes (Clerical), Nick Varetonni (Custodial), Tyra Terry (Clerical), D’Asia Warren (Clerical), and Carolina Winter (Clerical).
“To have a special signing day dedicated to our students that are working as district employees is very special because we get to acknowledge the students for their hard work,” said Dr. Charity Simmons-White, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education. “We are grateful that this program continues to grow each year with the dedication and the collaboration of numerous departments and offices districtwide.”
Students Share Their Excitement
Dutch Fork High School senior Daphne Churchill, who will serve as a clerical assistant at her school, said she appreciates the opportunity.
“It is great to have this opportunity to get paid while I am at school doing a job that I enjoy,” Churchill said.
Chapin High School junior Caroline Winter echoed that enthusiasm.
“I am excited to work as a clerical assistant at my school because it is fun to do and it gives me an avenue to interact with the staff and teachers at my school while also getting paid for something I really enjoy doing!” Winter said.
Chief of Academics Tina McCaskill emphasized the broader impact of the program.
“Growing students is something that our district does well and is passionate about. To see these students’ passion grow through this program can only make the future brighter for all of us,” McCaskill said.
Now in its fourth year, the First Jobs Initiative continues to expand, giving students practical experience while strengthening district operations and building the next generation of the workforce.
