Lee County teen gets first summer job at Grace’s Place & Catering in Leesburg

LEESBURG – Tristan Senn may not yet be able to drive like most teens his age, but this summer he reached the milestone of getting his first job – a milestone he accepted with hesitation but has grown to love.

The 16-year-old is a student at Lee County High School’s 9th Grade Academy. He loves basketball and football, but his mother, Michelle Senn, said he can have a hard time focusing on his schoolwork. The ninth-grader has been diagnosed with an intellectual disability and ADHD.

“He has the ability to do well at lots of things but certain things he can’t,” Tristan’s dad, James Senn, said.

Like most teen boys, Tristan said he loves videogames like Fortnight, Call of Duty and Roblox. James said his son is a talented player with amazing hand-eye coordination. However, Tristan’s parents said they didn’t want him holed up in his room all summer playing videogames but instead wanted him to gain some skills and get his first job.

His first day of work at Grace’s Place & Catering in Leesburg was Tuesday. He started a part-time position at which he waits and cleans tables, makes drinks, runs food and works the cash register.

Tristan said he was nervous at first, especially to talk to so many new people. His parents said they were nervous about how he’d be treated and how he’d handle the responsibility without them. But, because of kind interactions with customers and the support of his co-workers, the nerves had dissipated by his second day.

Tristan said he’s most excited to be making his own money and encourages other teens his age to do the same. When he gets his first paycheck, half will go into a savings account and the other half will be for spending. Tristan said he’ll likely treat himself to a new videogame or some new shoes.

For Tristan’s parents, his first job is much more than their son making his own money. It’s also important that the job is giving him some normalcy.

“We wanted him … to be able to get out in the community and actually do some good and be able to learn different skills that would help him through life,” Michelle said.

She said she and James are hoping Tristan furthers his social skills and comfort with people outside their family.

A friend of Michelle’s, who is a school teacher in Lee County, made a Facebook post about Tristan’s job search. The hunt did not last long.

Quickly, Hannah Marchbanks, the owner of Grace’s Place & Catering, reached out to Michelle saying they’d love to hire Tristan.

Grace’s Place & Catering opened four years ago, making meals to go and offering a bit of catering. Marchbanks said it grew to need a kitchen. In November, she purchased a space in Lee Market on U.S. Highway 19. The restaurant opened in March.

“It’s something I prayed for – being able to serve others and be a blessing to the community and be a servant to others,” she said.

The restaurant has a small and cozy atmosphere. Marchbanks has regular customers who come in to enjoy a meal nearly every day. She has six part-time and two full-time employees.

The restaurant owner said her nephew has disabilities, so being able to help others with disabilities has a special place in her heart.

“I think everybody deserves a chance, no matter what stage of life they’re in,” she said. “Not everyone wants to give people a chance. They just worry about the dollars. But I said, ‘This is a laid-back place. We’ll take the time to train him.’”

Marchbanks said Tristan caught on to the job immediately. He works two days a week from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

“He’s great,” she said. “We have great customers and employees. Everybody’s making him feel welcome.”

Marchbanks encourages other local businesses to follow in her footsteps.

“Everybody deserves a chance to show what they can do,” she said. “Be involved as an owner and hire employees who may not be the fastest, but the people who are going to have a smile on their face and provide good customer service.”

Overall, Michelle said, she wasn’t surprised by how quickly Tristan found a job because the greater Albany area is full of businesses and people supportive of those with disabilities.

“You just have to reach out and find them,” she said.

Michelle said Tristan has found a lot of support, especially in his school.

At Lee County, Tristan will complete a program that allows him to get a regular high school diploma. His ninth-grade year is split into two parts. On a typical day, he goes to school with a “pair” or someone who follows him as he attends regular classes. The pair helps him stay focused. The program also has two study session classes.

On Thursday, Michelle and other family members treated themselves to a meal at Grace’s Place & Catering. They enjoyed the restaurant’s Southern-style food and desserts, all while Tristan served them. He ran back and forth, focused on completing his work duties.

His mom said it’s great to see.

“It’s awesome,” she said. “It’s something me and his dad didn’t think we’d see.”

His father made an excited post to a community Facebook group.

“We would like to thank Grace’s Place for accepting Tristan as he is and giving him an opportunity to be a productive member of society and our community,” the post read.

Michelle said Tristan was tired when he finished his first day on the job, but he had fun. She encourages other families to find similar opportunities for their teens with disabilities.

“Just don’t be fearful and put them out there,” Michelle said.

Staff Photo: Lucille Lannigan