QuikTrip's CEO goes back to school

The manager of hundreds of convenience stores got a lesson in managing dozens of teenagers Tuesday. <br><br>QuikTrip's CEO spent his morning at Jenks Public Schools. News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson

Tuesday, September 23rd 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

The manager of hundreds of convenience stores got a lesson in managing dozens of teenagers Tuesday.

QuikTrip's CEO spent his morning at Jenks Public Schools. News on 6 anchor Scott Thompson has that education story.

His business is convenience. But Tuesday the CEO of QuikTrip stepped out of his comfort zone and into a school zone. And he didn't go to just any school, he's the first guest principal at Jenks Alternative School.

Chet Cadieux took over as CEO of QuikTrip last year. He spent his morning shadowing the alternative school's principal. He visited each class, talking to students and teachers. The Jenks Public Schools Foundation sponsors the principal for a day program.

The goal is to expose community and business leaders to the successes and the challenges of public education. And partner with them to fill the gaps left from the budget crisis.

Cadieux says he was really impressed with the school and the students. "These kids are working hard and some are catching up and some are getting ahead and one way or another they're learning what they need to learn to have a productive life."

Laurie Applekamp, Jenks Foundation Associates President, "we feel very fortunate that he took time out of his schedule to come here. It's important that we have leaders that are supporting the foundation and what we're doing here."

Cadieux wanted to go to the alternative program specifically.