Clarksville Teens Find Growth Behind the Counter
By Ian Yoon
Teenage workers are alive and well in Clarksville, fueling the local economy while gaining life experience and independence along the way.
Nationally, about 6 million teenage workers are employed at businesses across the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Clarksville is no outlier to that trend.
Local teens often get their first taste of professional life behind the counters of community favorites—from River Hill’s fast-food joints to its diverse international eateries. In many ways, teenage workers are the engine that keeps Clarksville humming.
Blowfish Poké Hawaiian Grill employees Charlotte McGeehan and Morgan Smith shared their perspectives during a recent interview.
McGeehan, a three-year veteran of Blowfish Poké and recent River Hill High School graduate, said, “It’s been a very fun experience. Jenny and Steve, our managers, are very welcoming and gracious if you make a mistake, because they understand that we are teenagers.”
As she prepared to leave for the University of Maryland, McGeehan reflected on her time at the restaurant with appreciation: “I walked in here such a different person, and going off to college after working a job all throughout high school has helped me tremendously.”
Smith agreed, praising the supportive workplace and highlighting the benefits of early employment: “Working when you’re young, I feel like it teaches you a lot.”
She emphasized how her job helped her develop responsibility, punctuality, and discipline.
Managers echoed these sentiments with praise for their teenage staff.
Nil Salunke, general manager of the River Hill Grill, described teen workers as integral to business:
“Without their help, we couldn’t operate at the same level. They bring energy, strong tech skills for handling point-of-sale systems and online orders, and flexibility with weekend and evening shifts.”
Salunke added that jobs teach teenagers critical skills: “They learn responsibility, teamwork, time management, communication, and problem-solving. Handling a busy dinner rush teaches you how to stay calm under pressure, and resolving a customer issue teaches conflict resolution and professionalism.”
At the Common Kitchen, Owen Omorigie is living proof of teen employment’s impact. Once an employee, he now manages Bon Bakes, a lively corner at Clarksville Commons.
Reflecting on his journey, Omorigie said: “Working has definitely pushed me toward a better understanding of what running a business is like. Each restaurant in the Common Kitchen is a small business, so it’s really given me an entrepreneurial mindset.”
Asked about his own employees, he had nothing but praise: “Teenagers are pretty ecstatic to be around. They’re always coming up with new ideas and better ways to work, and having someone that’s willing to be active and happy all of the time brings in more customers.”
Although students work fewer hours during the school year as they shift focus to academics and extracurriculars, their contributions remain vital. Many continue working weekends, while others coordinate around homework and activities.
For Clarksville’s businesses, teen workers are not only essential to day-to-day operations—they’re a source of energy, adaptability, and community spirit.
Ian Yoon is a senior at River Hill High School and a resident of the Village of River Hill. He was recently appointed as a Student Member of the River Hill Board of Directors
