Teen employees share experience at Trackside Pizza in Osgood

(OSGOOD, Ind.) – South Ripley student Kaylee Swinney describes herself as a shy person.

Kaylee is one of the employees at Trackside Pizza and says the experience has helped her come out of her shell and make new friends. 

“It’s really fun working here, we all get along pretty good and we have a really good bond between us all,” she said. 

One thing Kaylee is not shy about is leaving posted notes to fellow coworkers about her faith. 

“If you go over to the bulletin board, or the refrigerator, you might find one of my messages I like to leave about God,” Swinney said. 

Her co-worker, Katie May, is homeschooled and agrees that she was also shy when she first began working at Trackside. 

“I now feel like we’re all connected and one big happy family. I felt very welcomed coming in, and I feel like this has been a great learning experience,” May said. 

That positive atmosphere is made possible by other employees like Victoria Williams who has worked at Trackside since she was 14. 

“We might all go to different schools but it is a great experience for everyone, whether you are shy or outgoing,” she said. 

The three teenagers all agreed one of their favorite parts of the job is offering an inviting place for customers. 

“We love to make sure all of our customers are welcomed and create a good atmosphere for each person,” Williams said. 

Trackside Pizza serves as a place for each teen to learn job skills, responsibility and earn a little financial independence while in high school. 

The young employees have big dreams for their future too as Williams hopes to become a pediatric nurse and Swinney plans to become an orthodontist. 

When a teenage employee graduates from high school, owner Dave Koger presents a scholarship to them. Click here to read that story from last month. 

Each teenager says the positive experience and culture of Trackside Pizza is because of Koger. 

“He is a great boss. He is very inspiring and helpful and just overall a great person who is very generous,” May said. 

Swinney added, “I used to come here when I was little and have known Dave for a longtime. He is a really great guy.”

Trackside Pizza is located at 164 North Buckeye Street in Osgood.