Junior Joao Mejia is ecstatic to have a job this summer.

Many of his friends have been looking for employment, but the recession has hit teens hard.

"I am excited that I got a job because so many people have lost their jobs where I work," Mejia said.

Mejia, like many other WHS students, works for the City of Phoenix as a lifeguard.

Mejia, who will return as a lifeguard, said that the economy has definitely affected the number of jobs available to teenagers.

Physical education teacher Wendy Seaman, takes time during her summer to work as a courier for the City of Phoenix.

Seaman said that a number of city pools are closing this summer, so there is a limited number of jobs, especially for teens.

"The eight pools that are closing needed the most maintenance," said Seaman. "Next summer these pools will re-open, and eight different pools will close; it is a rotation system."

WHS swim coach Ty Bauer works as a manager at Washington pool just south of campus.

Bauer makes sure programs run smoothly and correctly. He said he also surpervises a well-trained staff of 10 lifeguards and two cashiers, and he makes sure the pools are safe for everyone.

Over the years, Bauer said he has hired a total of 13 WHS students. Senior Molly Lansdowne and junior Joao Mejilla will work this summer at Washington pool as lifeguards, and seven others are former graduates of WHS.

"I like to hire WHS students because they are members of the community who can give back to others," Bauer said. "Becoming a lifeguard is a big leadership position, and it takes a lot of work, but it is very rewarding."

Lansdowne said she has enjoyed being a lifeguard since she began working at Washington pool.

"I get paid really well, and I get to practice my Spanish with native-speaking customers," said Lansdowne. "I love being able to interact with people, so working as a lifeguard is great for me."

Sophomore Alexis Welsh works as a lifeguard at Union Hills Public Pool.

"I am fortunate to have a job; it is a good experience,"said Welsh.

Sophomore Janette Montero continues to look for a summer job, like many other WHS students this year.

"I want a job, so I can learn how to handle money and not spend it all on clothes,"said Montero. "Also, I want to help out around the house with the bills that need to be paid."

Even though the recession has depleted many job opportunities for teenagers, WHS students prove they can successfully maintain a place in the job market and even make a splash doing it.