A few weeks ago, St. Xavier High School hired Bailee Richardson from Down Syndrome of Louisville. She’ll be lending a hand in the campus store, library, and counseling office. With this step in a new direction, St. X is on the journey to have a campus full of kindness warriors like Bailee.
Principal Sample, a big supporter of the partnership with Down Syndrome of Louisville, has worked tirelessly to make St. X an inclusive school throughout her tenure. Accordingly, she sees Bailee’s presence in our school as a means to achieve that end.
“We are not doing a service for DSL by hiring one of their clients; they are doing us a service by sharing the strengths and talents of their amazing population of individuals who make this city a better place,” Principal Sample said. “If our mission is to create an environment where every person is recognized for their inherent worth and given opportunities to succeed, then we should be modeling that for our students.”
Bailee Richardson has had previous work experience before this. She worked at Bealls, (previously known as Burkes) on Hurstbourne for four years. She has now been a part of St. X for a few weeks, saying she has felt welcomed by all of the students and faculty.
“I loved it,” said Bailee Richardson when asked how her first day went. She works in the campus store price tagging goods like hats and playing cards, and also helps tidy the library.
Bailee is currently working from 9 A.M.-12 P.M. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A little fun fact about Bailee is that she loves the Italian sandwich from the deli.
Bailee can also be seen around the school with Kristen. Additionally, Kristen is from Down Syndrome of Louisville and is Bailee’s Administrative Assistant. She helps Bailee learn her job and facilitates interactions between Bailee and her peers. She will be with Bailee for the next six weeks and then will slowly fade out, giving her the chance to work independently.
Set up like a college, Down Syndrome of Louisville helps train individuals to work. They teach them life skills such as counting money, organizing goods, and interacting with other individuals.
The counseling department played a vital role in partnering with DSL. Bailee currently has an office in the counseling department and works hand-in-hand with counselors.
“Through Bailee, we can see firsthand the power of embracing diversity and fostering the mindset of inclusivity, a significant step in our mission to become a more inclusive campus, pushing us toward a more compassionate society,” Mrs. King said.
