By Sue Wilmers, LCS Transitions Coordinator

Have you heard these familiar slogans? “America’s Drive-In”, “Live Mas”, “It’s Sonic Good!”, “Make a Run for the Border” and “Think Outside the Bun”,

These are slogans of Taco Bell and Sonic…companies that our future leaders resonate with and seek employment opportunities.

Lapeer Taco Bell and Sonic partnered with Lapeer Community Schools Center For Innovation-West Campus in presenting an application/interview skills seminar to CFI Senior Capstone students. Topics included such things as: What do you need to know when filling out an employment application? Use blue or black ink and write legibly. Yes, answer ALL questions, including when you are actually available to work. Your signature on the application is your certification that all information included is accurate and truthful. Job experience might include unpaid work, volunteer experiences as well as baby sitting and lawn care. Let the potential employer know that you have experience. Show up to the interview like you care: dress the part: a neat appearance leaves a good first impression. Greet the person with a good hand shake and good eye contact.

Students were engaged in the presentation and discussion, and even had an opportunity to participate in a practice speed interview with the Sonic and Taco Bell Team Presenters: Carrie, Customer Relations, Sam and April, General Managers at the Restaurants and Jennifer, Area Coach and District Manager.

Did you know that the Lapeer Sonic is the only Sonic in Michigan with indoor seating? Yes, Sonic Carhop skaters do need to know how to skate, but there are also jobs for non-skaters.

Both Lapeer Sonic and Lapeer Taco Bell are owned and operated by the Shah Family. Mr. Ashvin Shah opened his first Taco Bell in Lapeer in 1987.   It was the original Taco Bell which was located just north of Lapeer County Bank on M-24. Afterward, the Shah family built six more Taco Bell restaurants and the Lapeer Sonic in 2012. They are looking forward to a busy summer at both restaurants in 2015.

Lapeer Community Schools is grateful for the partnership that we have developed with the Shah Family Franchise teams of Lapeer Taco Bell and Sonic Restaurants. We look forward to providing more experiences like this for our students.