LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Some high school students in Jefferson County spent the school day learning skills not typically taught in the classroom.

Academy at Shawnee senior Kaliah Coon is swapping textbooks for headphones.

“I would say I’m learning the rhythm of music, too. Like how to combine music together and everything that would go with it,” Coon said.

Besides learning how to make beats, students are also learning leadership, commitment and multitasking.

Entrepreneur and DJ Tyler Pope started her business while in high school.

Now, the 20-year-old is sharing her skills and advice with the juniors and seniors at the Academy at Shawnee.

“It taught me how to have a lot of responsibility and being able to just perfect my craft and get it to where it’s at today, because I know anybody can start at any time,” Pope said. “There’s never a wrong time, but at the same time you have to be willing to commit to it because it’s very hard when you first start, cause you’re like, ‘What do all these buttons do?’”

Pope was one of 19 presenters at “Shawnee in Power” day. Students could choose to attend five different sessions led by Louisville business, community and health leaders. 

Dr. Jamie Whitaker, an intervention specialist at Jefferson County Public Schools, says it’s important students see people from all walks of life accomplish big things.

Whitaker said, “In order to make sure that our students are well-rounded and ready to be contributing positive citizens to the community we go through and make sure that they have that we’re feeding them emotionally and mentally and physically and academically.”

Coon plans to pursue a career in ultrasounds after high school, but she’s holding onto the skills she just learned.

“I could take this information I’m taking and I can go to a party one day and if they have the equipment there, I could, you know, get the crowd wild!”