Dougherty County CTAE Success Story in Albany
ALBANY, Ga. – WebstaurantStore Distribution Center 872 celebrated a major milestone Tuesday afternoon as six graduating seniors from the Dougherty County School System officially signed full-time employment offers during the company’s first-ever Work-Based Learning Signing Day Ceremony.
Held at WebstaurantStore’s Albany distribution center, the event mirrored the excitement of an athletic signing day, complete with offer letters, commemorative pins, family members, school leaders, and community partners gathered to applaud the students’ accomplishments. The ceremony recognized students who successfully completed the inaugural Work-Based Learning Program, a partnership between WebstaurantStore and the Dougherty County School System launched in January 2026 to provide high school seniors with hands-on workforce experience while completing their education.
The six students honored were:
- Vinson Hill – Dougherty Comprehensive High School
- Marquez Favors – Dougherty Comprehensive High School
- Uriah Jackson – Dougherty Comprehensive High School
- Chermya Ford – Westover Comprehensive High School and 4C Academy
- Alashia Ford – Dougherty Comprehensive High School
- Sasha Mathis – Monroe Comprehensive High School
Of the 25 students who applied to participate, 13 were selected to join the semester-long program. Since January, students attended school in the morning and worked at WebstaurantStore each afternoon, gaining practical experience while developing professional skills and workplace confidence.
“Today is proof that talent exists right here in our community,” said Jay Houston, Recruitment & Community Relations Manager for WebstaurantStore 872. “These students have shown that when young people are given an opportunity, clear expectations, and a team that believes in them, they can accomplish extraordinary things.”
Houston noted that the students distinguished themselves through their work ethic, reliability, and positive attitudes. Their performance earned them permanent full-time opportunities with one of the fastest-growing companies in the country.
As full-time employees, the students will receive competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, four weeks of paid time off annually, eight emergency days, a 401(k) with a 50% company match, gym membership reimbursement, and extensive career advancement opportunities.
Tim Bailey, General Manager of WebstaurantStore 872, welcomed attendees and emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in people. “At WebstaurantStore, we believe our greatest investment is in people,” Bailey said. “Today is a celebration of six remarkable students who have proven they are ready to begin not just a job, but a career.”
The signing day ceremony highlighted the strength of the partnership between WebstaurantStore and the Dougherty County School System, including its Work-Based Learning, CTAE, and college and career readiness programs.
