(by Don Meador, Allen County Schools, November 25, 2019)
Twenty-seven Allen County-Scottsville High School juniors learned about the American Private Enterprise System (APES) from business, government, and industry leaders last week as part of the 48th annual program conducted through the efforts of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Allen County.
The three-day program included presentations from local community leaders on eight topics pertaining to business and economics. On Monday, November 18, the APES students heard from Allen County Farm Bureau insurance professional Todd White who presented on the topic “How America is Organized to Do Business.” Rickie Huntsman from Farmers National Bank spoke on “Our Economy; How It Works and What It Provides.” Allen County Property Valuation Administrator Tracy Oliver shared on the topic, “The Role of Government in the Economy” and The Citizen-Times Owner/Editor Matt Pedigo addressed the topic, “Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships.
Tuesday’s topics included “The Job Interview” with J.M. Smucker Company Associate Human Resource Leader Dana Russell, “Investor Owned Corporations and Limited Liability Companies” covered by Christi Turner from Summit Title Company, LLC, “How to Do Business” addressed by Jonathan Ross from Edward Jones, and “Cooperatives” presented by Amy Phelps from North Central Telephone Cooperative.
On Wednesday, Jason Morgan, Global Tax Leader, Helios Technologies, spoke
on E-Commerce, the eighth and final topic.
Following each presentation, the students were given tests (called Pay Days) to review their knowledge over the material covered. Wednesday’s activities also included Allen Ralph who presented board cases. The exercises asked the students to analyze and offer solutions to business and industry related employee scenarios.
In addition, the students toured several local establishments business
and industry firsthand. Tours included The Citizen-Times, Halton Industries, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheeses, Clifty Farms, and The Medical Center at Scottsville.
The APES program was a rewarding experience for all the students,
leaving each with information that can be used going forward.
“I learned a lot about how a business works and all of the aspects that go into it,” noted Haleigh Steenbergen.
“I am going to take the business and leadership skills I have learned and use them in my future career as I want to start a business,” explained Taylor Huff., who added that two things really stood out. “How to interview and also the structure of business.”
“It was a great experience,” added Billy Lim. “the activities were quite interesting and fun. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
At the end of the three-days, several students received cash
scholarships based on their efforts throughout the program. The scholarships
are possible through the donations of many local businesses.
The overall $400 scholarship winner was Taylor Huff. Winners of $200
cash scholarships were John Bomar, Lucy Britt, Taylor Carter, Camryn Foster,
Katherine Foster, Molly Jones, Emma Robison, Abby Stamps, and Tad Kolton
Taylor. Pay Day winners ($5 per topic) were Taylor Carter, Jax Cooper,
Katherine Foster, Taylor Huff, ($15 jackpot winner as well), Molly Jones, Jae
McReynolds (two topics), and Kayden Whitney.
Taylor Huff, Molly Jones, and Emma Robison earned the honor of
representing Allen County at the Kentucky Youth Seminar June 30-July 2, 2020 at
the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Alternates are Abby Stamps, Taylor
Carter, and Katherine Foster. AC-SH seniors Brayden Richer, Ella Burch, and
Nathan McGuffey served as junior leaders with Burch receiving a $100 cash
scholarship and the opportunity to serve at the state APES program next year in
Lexington. McGuffey was selected as the alternate.
The entire list of
juniors selected to participate included, John Bomar, Lucy Britt, Taylor Carter, Ashlynn Conley,
Jax Cooper, Camryn Foster, Katherine Foster, Ainsley Gardner, Olivia Harwood,
Taylor Huff, Molly Jones, Tori Langman, Jerica Law, Billy Lim, Trace McIntyre,
Jae McReynolds, Rachel Moore, Emma Robison, Shea Robison, Abby Stamps, Haleigh
Steenbergen, Riley Stinson, Tad Kolton Taylor, Kayden Whitney, Maddie Wolfe,
Kortney Woods, and -Makayla Williams.