Returning to KHS in August to continue working on job skills

It’s 7:45 a.m. in the morning. Students are rolling out of bed, struggling to find the energy to brush their teeth, all while dreading going to school. Vivi Kozak is not one of those students. Vivi jumps out of bed, excited to greet every student she sees buying a coffee at her beloved coffee shop: Pioneer Perks. 

“The biggest thing that’s happened to Vivi in high school is learning how to be a barista and cashier at the coffee shop,” Vivi’s mom, Lauren Kozak, said. “It gives her a sense of community and purpose throughout the day.” 

Vivi has been working at Pioneer Perks for two years and said it’s her favorite thing about KHS. Morgan Clough, Vivi’s Case Manager, said Vivi proves her determination and perseverance through her work skills. 

“[She] has shown us that she’s a hard worker,” Morgan Clough said. “Vivi has always demonstrated that she’s her own woman. She’s courageous, outgoing and friendly.”

Josh Gift, Vivi’s teacher at Pioneer Perks, has noticed her growth from the time she was a sophomore to now. He admires Vivi’s way with people and adores her bubbly personality. 

“Vivi’s had a lot of growth. She’s a positive person and happy,” Gift said. “Vivi’s been a great worker. She’s dedicated and hardworking.”

Although Vivi loves making coffee, her favorite thing about Pioneer Perks is the people, according to her boss and Case Manager. She loves her friends and getting to see every customer that walks through the door. 

“[Vivi] helps all the customers with a smile,” Gift said. “She has this effect on people where you can’t help but smile [when you see her].”

As Vivi finishes out the school year, she will be returning to KHS in August to continue to work on her job skills. She is excited for the future and to continue working as a barista at Pioneer Perks. 

“Vivi brings us so much joy. She is always laughing and looking out for her friends,” Lauren said. “Everybody’s always been so loving and kind [during our time at KHS] and we look forward to keeping friends and we wish everybody the absolute best.”