Pictured left to right are John Geeves, OHS teacher, Ricky Smith, OHS award winner, Mike Noble, OCEC Director, and Bettina Wiltse, STEP Work Program Coordinator. (Photo submitted)

OREGON — Oregon High School student Ricky Smith has earned the Student Worker of the 2nd Quarter award from Ogle County Educational Cooperative (OCEC) STEP Work Program. Smith is employed at McDonalds in Oregon and earned the award based on recommendations and evaluations made by his supervisor, teacher, job coach, and work program coordinator.

McDonald’s owner/manager said that Smith is always willing to do whatever job is asked of him, is available to work when called, and has a very positive attitude when he is at work.

Smith, a senior at OHS, works many hours per month and earns high school credit for the job, while also attending his regular school day. He has worked at McDonalds for several months, and says he is dedicated to working hard at any job.

The STEP Work Program is provided to high school students by OCEC at Amboy, Chana Education Center, Oregon, Stillman Valley, Polo, and Rochelle Township High Schools. For more information, contact Bettina Wiltse, STEP Coordinator at 815-234-2722 ext. 120.