High School Hustle: With summer approaching, students share their experiences with summer jobs, and who’s still hiring

Sixteen hours of in-water training, CPR and First Aid certification class, plus ongoing in-service training — the process to become a certified lifeguard is lengthy. But for students searching for a rewarding summer job, senior and Fairway City Pool Manager Caroline Gorman says it’s worth it.

Between the six public city pools and a handful of private pools in the area, 27% of East students from a poll of 227 said they lifeguard during the summer.  

Who’s still hiring?

• Kansas City Country Club: $13 – $15 an hour
• Indian Hills Country Club Lifeguard: $14 – $17 an hour 
• Homestead Country Club: $14- $16 an hour

With about 10 different country clubs in a 10-mile radius of East, it’s no surprise they make for a popular summer job spot. In a poll of 237 East students, 35% say they work at a country club. Whether it’s lifeguarding, serving at the snack bar, maintaining golf courses or working in the cart barn, country clubs offer a variety of job options for high schoolers.

Who’s Still Hiring?

• Milburn Tennis Shop: $9.50 – $12 an hour
• Milburn Server & Bartender: $16 – $20 an hour
• Homestead Pool Server/Bartender: $15 – $17 
• Indian Hills Server: $16 – $21 an hour
• Hallbrook Seasonal Server: $18 – $20 an hour
• Kansas City Locker Room Attendant: $15 an hour

Flexible hours, freedom to do summertime activities around the area and the often-high pay make nannying a popular summer job for students like sophomore Adelaide Ecton, who will be nannying four days a week for 5-6 hours each day.

Nothing says “summer” quite like the classic, cool-down treat. About 14% of East students spend their summers scooping up cones and drizzling hot fudge, according to a poll of 210, often working with friends and spooning their fair-share of complimentary ice cream,

Freshman Millie Craven enjoys the engaging and laid-back environment she’s found while working at Summer Salt Ice Cream Co. in Corinth Square, keeping busy with the rushes, while having fun working with others her age during breaks.