Hamilton High School students logged more than 36,000 hours of work experience at local companies during the 2025-26 school year. On June 3, their hard work and dedication was celebrated during the Youth Apprenticeship Ceremony held to recognize the collaboration between educators, local businesses and community members that makes these student employment opportunities possible.
“The total student hours worked this year amount to 36,627 hours,” Hamilton High School Teacher/Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Sheila Frafjord told those in attendance. “With an average hourly wage of $16 our students have earned approximately $586,032 in total! I know our Personal Finance teachers hope they have saved the majority of it!”
Fifty-four students were recognized for youth apprenticeships during the 2025-26 school year. Last year, 44 Hamilton High School students participated in youth apprenticeships. There were only 9 students with Youth Apprenticeships during the 2023-24 school year. Students in Level 1 of Hamilton High School’s Youth Apprenticeship Program must complete at least 450 work hours, receive related instruction and meet all required skill competencies within their career pathway.
Students are employed in a wide variety of industries such as manufacturing, finance, childcare and healthcare. The workforce experience allows students to continue developing skill sets that many first learned about during their coursework at Hamilton High School.
“This ceremony serves as a powerful reminder that students can achieve success in the real world while still in high school,” explains Frafjord. “By connecting academic knowledge to real-world applications, students gain deeper understanding, develop valuable skills and build relationships within the community. These experiences not only prepare students for life after graduation, they also strengthen local workforce pipelines and help shape the future of our communities,” she adds.
Hamilton High School alumni Therese Merkel served as the keynote speaker. Merkel is the founder and CEO of Tricky Foods, a boutique charcuterie, cheese and event business she started in 2020 after leaving her corporate career. Merkel also serves on the board of CEOs of Tomorrow, mentoring young entrepreneurs and supporting student internship opportunities.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our employer partners. Without your support, guidance and mentorship, these real world experiences wouldn’t be possible,” Frafjord shared.