On Thursday, March 13, Center Based Resource (CBR) classes participated in the Job Olympics competition at Johnson County Community College. Olathe West took third place overall, being the only school in the Olathe District to take home a trophy. 

This annual event provides students in special education from local high schools and post-secondary programs the opportunity to practice and compete in essential job and life skills. 

Olathe West CBR teacher Jonathan Stahl, detailed the events of the competition.

“Schools from across the area come together to compete in various job skills. These might include activities like job interviews, table setting, or coin recognition—skills that can be directly applied in the workplace,” Stahl said.

While the competition helps students develop transferable job skills, it also offers students an opportunity to be recognized and a sense of accomplishment. Stahl reflected on the significance of his students’ achievements.

“As teachers, our favorite part is watching students succeed—whether that means winning a medal or setting a new personal best. It’s incredible to see them celebrated, excited, and engaging in activities that have such an important impact on their future,” Stahl said.

CBR students were joined at the competition by general education students in the Interpersonal Skills class, who served as moral support and mentors. Stahl described this relationship. 

“We took a bunch of peer mentors there and they all cheered for them like they won a basketball game every time they won a medal,” Stahl said. 

This year, Olathe West earned medals in five events, including a first-place finish in mail sorting. The five students to medal were: Andres Quintero, Topanga Wayman, Drake Davis, Presley Brashear and Mathew Medrano. 

“I think they absolutely get a sense of pride in winning trophies and medals and being celebrated in a way that they might not be otherwise,” Stahl said.