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By Lynn Retzlaff
DOTR Maven Editor
Times are tough and the U.S. economy is rough but that’s not stopping a small class of Milton High School Students from shining in the entrepreneurial spotlight!
For the past couple of years Mr. Hammil and Mrs. Kenyon, both High School staff members, have been tossing around an idea for a new school course to include a school store. After dealing with budget issues, enrollment concerns and taking all the steps necessary to offer a new class, Mr. Hammil and Mrs. Kenyon have seen their idea turn into a reality. The 2009-2010 school year is seeing the first Business Administration Class. The class is instructed by Mr. Houfe and consists of eleven hard working students.
All class work corresponds with a new school store. Students are responsible for store set-up, product research, marketing, promotions, finances (with advisor supervision), and running the store. The students have also enjoyed the challenge of product design and figuring out what will sell and to whom.
Mr. Houfe stated that, “The greatest part for this particular group of students is they get to see it from the ground up.”
Each student underwent an interview process given by MHS business department staffers and an outside interviewer from a local bank. They were given their positions accordingly with Sara Hoffman offered the store manager position. When I asked Sara how the class was going she stated, “Sometimes it’s kind of stressful. Not all the kids have a whole lot of initiative lately.” She was quick to add, “I’m really proud of the whole class and how we got everything up and running.” As store manager, Sara is responsible for delegating jobs and store scheduling. Some of the positions held by other students include assistant manager, members of the financial team, and team leaders.
The class held a Grand Opening event for “The Hawk’s Nest” on December 12th, 2009. The event was a huge success. The store is open to the public and is located just inside the main entry of Milton High School. Store hours are 2:50-3:30p.m. on school days unless there is a sporting event. On evenings of school sporting events, the store will be open during the sporting event only.
When visiting The Hawk’s Nest you can expect to find plenty of cool Milton gear. Store merchandise includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, hats, stadium blankets & chairs, mittens, scarves, drawstring bags and license plate covers. Students are working on adding window clings, lanyards, bumper stickers and key chains. Money from sales goes directly back into the class to help pay down start-up debt, purchase more inventory and invest in future class endeavors. Once profitable, staff and students would like to be able to donate some of the money back to the school for other programs and needs.
Mr. Houfe is very proud of the new class offering and of his students. He spoke for all of the business teachers when he said; “We wanted something where students can apply what they learn in business classes in an every day setting.” What a great way for students to be able to learn by doing. Besides the obvious business and entrepreneurial experience, they are learning people skills, resume writing, interviewing skills and lessons in job responsibility. All experiences will be beneficial to future college and job applications.
Milton students interested in the Business Administration class should talk to their school advisor about the required pre-requisites. The class is offered to juniors and seniors of the Milton High School.
For more information about The Hawk’s Nest store or the Business Administration class, please contact Milton High School at 608-868-9300.
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