Helping Students Find Their Voice
For many high school seniors, turning 18 brings new freedoms and responsibilities. Among them is the opportunity to vote for the first time. Recently, a discussion inside a LaRue County High School Work Based Experience classroom led to an important question: What happens when students are eligible to vote but have no reliable way to get there?
The conversation sparked action.
Recognizing that some seniors could not drive or lacked transportation, staff members worked together to ensure students had an opportunity to participate in the democratic process. The goal extended beyond simply casting a ballot. It was about teaching students that civic engagement matters and that their voices deserve to be heard.
Job Employment Specialist Mollie Thompson volunteered to provide transportation for eligible students, all of whom were 18 years old and able to consent to participation. Students were encouraged to notify their parents before leaving campus. Staff also coordinated with the local clerk’s office to verify acceptable identification documents for students who did not yet have traditional IDs. In one instance, a student interested in voting was not registered, and election officials assisted with completing the registration process.
The effort reflects the broader mission of the Work Based Experience class taught by Ashley Hodges at LaRue County High School, which focuses on preparing students for life beyond graduation through practical, hands-on learning opportunities.
Students in the program spend time using driving simulators designed to mirror real-world driving experiences and receive support while preparing for permit tests. Several students have recently earned permits, with others preparing to test soon.
Beyond driving skills, the class has tackled a wide variety of projects aimed at building independence and workplace readiness. Students have created dry-erase tables now used throughout the school, learned budgeting and check-writing skills, participated in monthly cooking lessons through the LaRue County Extension Office for two consecutive years, explored local industries through field trips, attended job fairs, and gained employment opportunities.
Behind many of those experiences is Thompson, whose role often extends far beyond a traditional job description.
“This class wouldn’t work without the help from our Job Employment Specialist, Mollie Thompson,” said Ashley Hodges, a teacher at LaRue County High School. “She is always willing to help, gets kids places, and truly is my other half in making these things happen.”
Whether helping students prepare for employment, earn a driver’s permit, or cast a first vote, the work represents something larger: equipping young people with the confidence and skills needed to participate fully in their communities.
The experiences provided through the Work Based Experience class demonstrate that education extends beyond textbooks and classrooms. Sometimes, it means helping students gain the confidence to drive, preparing for a first job, or ensuring they understand the importance of participating in democracy itself.
