Students lending Parks and Open Space a helping hand

The students are learning job skills through the school district's partnership with JCI.

 

With help from some special high school students, Johnston Parks and Open Space is prepping Rose Dairy Farm for County use.

Through a partnership with the Johnston County Public Schools, the students are clients of JCI, which provides job training and other services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“The whole point of this program is to learn work skills,” explained Mari Guzman, a training specialist with JCI.

At Rose Dairy Farm, the high school students are helping to whip the property into shape, tackling fence work, yard maintenance and similar tasks.

On a recent Monday, Guzman was there with Madison Goodman, 16, Owen Gilmore, 16, Nick Thornton, 16, and Malik Lynn, 17, all students at Cleveland High School.

“We took down a fence the first time we came here,” Madison said. “We got to use post-hole diggers.”

“It’s just fun mostly,” added Owen, whose chores have included putting down mulch at Rose Dairy, which will remain a working farm while hosting trails and fishing for the public. “It’s also good to help the community.”

Malik said he was gaining valuable skills. “I’ve learned how to use actual tools,” he said.

The students, all sophomores, are volunteers at Rose Dairy, which will also host offices for Parks and Open Space. As juniors next year, they’ll gain paid work experience.

Nick said he enjoyed working outdoors in a meaningful way. “It feels good,” he said, adding that he also likes to get out of the classroom for a while.

Page last updated on:  May 14, 2026