Teens often want a job where they will have fun and get paid at the same time, and PowerPlay is the place many students have chosen to do so. The Metro North PowerPlay Family Entertainment Center employs 18 Staley students.

     PowerPlay is an arcade that also has rides like the python pit, a buffet area which varies with food from salad to pizza, go-karts which brings in many families, laser tag that is mars themed, a zip line that lights up at night and a soon-to-be ready sand volleyball complex. There are also several positions to work: front desk where they explain the PowerPlay way to customers, concessions where food and drinks are served, ride attendant who operates the rides, kid zone where kids are free to run and play, redemption where kids cash in their tickets and go-karts.                     Teens choose to work at PowerPlay because of the atmosphere created by other employees as well as how uncomplicated the job is.

     “My favorite position to work is being a ride attendant because I like talking to other employees in the area and get away from all the noise, for example laser tag, redemption and concessions.”

      “My favorite area to work is redemption, otherwise known as the place kids cash in their tickets to get prizes. It’s a quieter area, and I like to organize the inventory as well as playing with it,” junior Emily Juarez said.

      And if employees want to totally get away from all the noise and be kept busy at the same time, laser tag is the way to go.

     “I call laser tag my own little cave because it’s dark and cold in there. I also get to play laser tag with customers, and it just makes my shift go by quicker,” junior Marlie Baltimore said.

     Others said they enjoy working there because they love working with kids and get to see them get excited at Powerplay.
     “I love to interact with customers and see the smiles of little kids’ faces when riding rides. I also get the benefit of bringing my inner little kid out while getting paid at the same time,” senior Maya Miller said.

Rita Sargent