Job Olympics Teaches Valuable Life Skills

It may not be a traditional Olympic event, but when Team Ozark swept the T-Shirt Folding Competition with first, second and third place at the Branson Job Olympics, Ozark students exploded with excitement and cheers. 

“The community should be proud of Team Ozark for their success and the way they represented Ozark High School and the community,” OHS Special Education Teacher Terry Parker said. “OHS is molding students into becoming lifelong learners and preparing students to become successful in the job market. I am very proud of Team Ozark!”

The Branson Job Olympics, held March 27, is designed to give students with disabilities the opportunity to practice job-related skills that will enhance their lifelong goal of being employed. Twelve school districts participated with nearly 200 students competing in areas including hospitality, culinary, child care, department store events, grocery industry, automotive detail and business events. 

“The best part of the day for the educators was watching the excitement on the students’ faces as they competed against other students,” Parker said. “Ozark students have a competitive side and a sense of pride that makes the Ozark community proud. They met new friends and learned about other job opportunities. Team Ozark was so excited that on the way back to Ozark they were planning for next year’s event.”

Tori Webster, OHS special education process coordinator, said the event offers a lot of opportunities for students.

“Participating in the Branson High School Job Olympics can enrich the educational experience of students, equipping them with essential job skills and experiences that will serve them well in future endeavors, including being successful in meeting their post-secondary transitional goals."
- Tori Webster, OHS special education process coordinator

“Participating in the Branson High School Job Olympics can enrich the educational experience of students, equipping them with essential job skills and experiences that will serve them well in future endeavors, including being successful in meeting their post-secondary transitional goals,” she said.

Samantha VandenHoek, OHS special education teacher, said students worked hard to prepare for the Job Olympics, researching events and practicing skills.

“Our special education students have fantastic employable traits,” she said. “When companies invest in coaching up front, our students will become some of the most dedicated, hardworking employees they could ever want.”

The Job Olympics is one of many ways Ozark is preparing students for life after high school. Special education students participate in regular travel trainings where they visit places such as the grocery store, City Utilities Transit Center and Missouri State University campus to help students become more independent and confident when they travel in the community. Ozark also hosts the Special Olympics annually, inviting other school districts to compete in field events. And while the day is a lot of fun, it also serves a purpose in fostering social skills and building confidence.

All of these opportunities are giving students hands-on experience and helping prepare them for life beyond Ozark Schools, even if they don’t come home with an Olympic medal. 

“They participated and their questions were about how they could improve for next year. They wanted to do better. They wanted to be better,” VandenHoek said. “This is how I know we are making a difference in the lives of our students.”