Courtesy photo The newly elected officers for the entrepreneurial business of St. Matthew include (from left): Chief Executive Nadia Jeffries, Chief Financial Officer Elyana Hewitt and Public Relations Specialist Lucy Hawthorn.
TIRONE — The beginning of the new school year marked the continuation of an important lesson in service for the students of the “Shën Mateu” school in Tirone.
Entrepreneurship Program St. Matthew is an integral part of the school’s Life Skills curriculum.
“As owners and operators of The Rescue Aid, each young business owner completes lessons on how the American system of capitalism was created and operates,” said program advisor Steve Stoner.
“In addition, they learn about the economics involved in running a business such as supply and demand, as well as marketing, customer acquisition and personal finance.”
The company’s first act was to elect its new officers to the board of directors. As in any business, officers have specific duties that are necessary for the success of the company.
“I was chosen as the executive director,” said fifth grader Nadia Jeffries. “It will be my responsibility to oversee all parts of the company and make sure that everyone is doing their job so that we can be successful. I really enjoyed working on last year’s store and I can’t wait to get started on our ideas for this year, especially projects that help people.”
Elyana Hewitt was elected as CFO. “As CFO, I take care of money. It’s a lot of math, tracking the money we earn and then paying the bills. We are a service company, so every profit we make goes to a charity. We do this because Jesus taught us to help others.”
The third public relations officer position will be held by Lucy Hawthorn. “This is my first year in the company and I’m a little nervous. I really like to draw and make things, so I think my group of workers will be good at creating posters and advertisements.”
After electing officers, student members brainstormed different ideas for this year’s projects, ranging from preparing a meal for local first responders to running a school holiday store.
“We are already planning to visit a business near our school to learn how they make their products and how they advertise. This is going to be a lot of fun,” Jeffries said.
“The whole concept of service, which is a key mission of our school, is at the core of this program,” Stoner said. “Although the students involved do not personally benefit financially from their business ventures, the skills they learn can be easily transferred to their own lives and to any entrepreneurial ideas they may develop on their own.
“Last year the company earned $307.16 which they donated to the Miracle League. This year’s batch of officers have already decided they want to reach that number. This is because they know that with God’s guidance anything is possible.”
Updates on the company’s progress can be seen on the school’s Facebook page at stmatthew-school.org.