Makayla Mackey, a Terre Haute South Vigo senior, talks about her re-useable grocery totes made out of recycled material during the Vigo and Sullivan County CEO programs’ trade show Thursday at the Terre Haute Convention Center. Tribune-Star/Joseph C. Garza
Fourteen Vigo and Sullivan high school students who have learned entrepreneurial skills this year showcased their businesses during a culminating trade show Thursday at the Terre Haute Convention Center.
The students, who participate in Vigo and Sullivan County CEO programs, have developed their own businesses that included hair products, private bowling lessons, handmade wood decor and web design.
Students offered their products for sale and had tables professionally set up for the trade show.
Among them was Makayla Mackey, a South Vigo senior, who makes re-useable grocery totes out of recycled material.
By participating in Vigo County Indiana CEO, “I’ve learned a lot about talking to people and how to ask questions,” Mackey said.
While she hopes to pursue a career in journalism, the business-focused CEO program “helps with a lot of different life skills,” Mackey said.
Grace Macak, a West Vigo senior who began bowling at age 6, started a business that provides bowling lessons.
Through CEO, “I’ve learned how to talk to people and I’ve learned better communication skills,” Macak said. “I’ve learned to make eye contact when I’m having a formal conversation. I’ve learned to be on time …. which means 10 minutes early.”
She’s learned how to dress professionally and act in a professional manner, Macak said.
The CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program provides hands-on business experience and connects students with local businesses and area leaders. Students are paired with mentors, hear guest speakers and visit businesses.
They learn more about opportunities in their own communities.
While the CEO program is not part of the Vigo County School Corp., the district and CEO programs collaborate.
It is the first year for the Vigo County CEO program, and the inaugural year “is beyond expectations … The development of the students has just been overwhelming,” said Brian Huxford, vice chair of the Vigo CEO board.
Those involved in the program knew it would teach soft skills, including communication, leadership, teamwork and camaraderie, “but the way it’s developed the students has far surpassed what we thought it would do,” Huxford said.
The students have grown in self confidence and the ability to speak in public forums. They’ve had to do multiple projects together, just like a high performance team would for an employer.
“They’ve learned how to give, take, contribute and put others first,” Huxford said.
The students have increased their networks and learned more about “how great a place the Wabash Valley is” and the opportunities it offers, he said.
The Vigo CEO program has received much support from the business community, Huxford said.
Teri Bennett, facilitator for the Vigo County CEO program, also has seen the students’ growth both in terms of business knowledge and confidence.
While many were reluctant public speakers before, now they volunteer for it, she said. “They love public speaking.”
South Vigo senior Tyree Cuffle’s business, ERE or Everybody Love Everyone, is a clothing brand that spreads the messages of love and positivity; he designs the clothing.
Since his sophomore year, Cuffle has wanted to start a clothing brand with a deeper meaning. “With the help of great mentors … I came up with the name and they helped me get driven and started on actually bringing my idea to life,” Cuffle said.
While he’ll be attending college next year, he wants to maintain his business. “I’m trying to make it a movement and something national. I’m shooting for the stars,” he said.
The CEO program “has really brought me out of my shell” and helped him reach his potential, Cuffle said.
It was challenging, and the program requires getting up early to participate before the regular school day starts. He had to juggle CEO, school, athletics and homework.
His biggest takeaway from the program?
“It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to mess up and learn from that because you never really take a loss. You take lessons,” Cuffle said.
CEO is a national program created by Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship based in Effingham, Ill.
Kristy Sayers, a program developer with the Midland Institute, was among those who visited the trade show. “This is amazing. A first-year program to have this number of student businesses is phenomenal.”
There are 74 CEO programs in 11 states, she said.
© 2024 Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc.