Leininger, Shepherd named 2015 Business Cooperative Top Achievers at HHS

Jacob Leininger and Kylea Shepherd, both 2015 HHS graduates, have been recognized as the top achievers in the Business Cooperative Program for Hillsboro High School.

Leininger received top honors for highest earnings and most hours worked through employment during his senior year with Leininger Enterprises, Master Feed Mill and Highland South Restaurant.

Mark Leininger of Leininger Enterprises said, “Jacob will finish all tasks, won’t rush and will do it right the first time.” Steve Ventura of Master Feed Mill stated “Jacob is happy at work every day and completed tasks without supervision.” Both employers commented on his good work ethic.

Leininger is grateful for the opportunity the Business Co-op Program provided by being permitted to leave school early to gain work experience and earn money with the flexibility to work additional hours.

Leininger will continue his education at Southern State Community College, pursuing an associate’s of applied science, then transfer to pursue a wildlife management degree. He would like to work for the Army Corps of Engineers.

Kylea Shepherd received second-place honors for her earnings and hours worked through employment with LaCascada.

Maria Xochitl of LaCascada stated, “Kylea has always been accountable, responsible and a fast learner. She filled in wherever needed to get the job done.”

Shepherd is grateful for the opportunity the Business Co-op Program provided and for the opportunity extended from LaCascada.

Shepherd plans to continue her employment with LaCascada while pursuing a criminal justice degree at UC Clermont.

The businesses involved with the HHS Business Cooperative Program during the 2014-15 school year were: Leininger Enterprises, Master Feed Mill, Highland South Restaurant, LaCascada, Ponderosa, Holtfield Coffee Station, Dairy Queen, Lerch’s Barnlot, Twenty-four Exchange, McDonalds, Pasquales, Buffalo Wild Wings, Big Ernie’s, John’s Flowers, Horne Landscaping, Service Master/Jeff Burnett and Pizza Hut. The success of this program is a direct result of each business being willing to hire Hillsboro High School students.

During the school year, students completed 60 employment applications, worked 9,877 hours and earned $90,775.

The students organized and managed the annual Volley for the Cure for the HHS Lady Indians, raising $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation; sponsored a family for Christmas; co-sponsored Coins for Cans with the Thespian Society for their annual Food Drive, raising $900 for Samaritan Outreach; made Valentine cards for the residents at Heartland of Hillsboro; assisted the yearbook staff with advertising; and supported a fellow student’s mission trip in May.

If you would be interested in learning more about the Business Cooperative Program, please contact Hillsboro High School at (937) 393-3485.