The top academic students in the junior class at the Allen County-Scottsville High School learned about the finer points of the business world as part of the American Private Enterprise System (APES) Program. The 54th annual event was held on consecutive Fridays over a three-week period in November.
Under the guidance of a steering committee of school and community leaders, the students explored eight business-related topics, listened to guest speakers, and toured several local business establishments on the consecutive Fridays of November 7, 14, and 21st. The APES program was organized by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Allen County.
The program’s first day on November 7 began with welcoming remarks, followed by the first educational topic of “How America is Organized to Do Business.” Presenters were Scottsville Mayor David Burch, his wife Kelly, a retired educator, and County Judge Executive Dennis Harper. Adam Tabor from Edmonton State Bank spoke on the topic of “Our Economy: How it Works.” The final speaker of the day was retired educator Belinda Bazzell speaking on the “The Role of Government on Our Economy.”
Following the morning sessions, the APES students toured The Medical Center at Scottsville before returning to school.
The second day on November 14 included talks and discussions on additional areas. Christi Turner spoke to the group on “Investor-Owned Corporations and Limited Liability Corporations.” Jonathan Ross, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, addressed the topic of “How to Do Business.” Local business owners (Peach Tree Farms) Kori and Micah Thomas spoke about “Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships.” Felisha Adams briefed the students on “Cooperatives.” The students toured Halton Inc. after lunch.
The final day---November 21---began with breakfast and a tour at Clifty Farms. Afterwards, Jason Morgan, the CEO of Here4All, Inc. taught about “E-Commerce.” The final topic covered was “The Job Interview” presented by Dana Russell and Katelyn Fox from J.M. Smucker. The last day also involved the APES students looking at specific business situations, role-playing, and developing and sharing presenting prospective solutions. After lunch, the program concluded with a small business meet-and-greet session around the city.
In addition to learning the basics of business, the students could earn cash scholarships based on overall assessment scores for the entire program. Students also were given the chance to earn “Payday” rewards ($10.00) based on a small assessment given following each topic presentation and discussion. The top 10 students received $250 scholarships, announced during the program’s awards presentation prior to their conclusion on November 21. .
Laela Cline was the top scoring student overall and earned a $500 scholarship. Nine students received $250 scholarships---Jackson Smith, Brian Hayes, Ava Purvis, Aiden Blankenship, Avery Morris, Autumn Turner, Ally Hayes, Shelbie Holly, and Jacie McCord.
Cline now has the opportunity to participate in the state APES program next summer at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
Payday winners were Avery Morris, Abigail Keeler, Ava Purvis, Madison Gaddis, Shelbie Holly, and Laela Cline.
AC-SH seniors Olivia Baird, Conely Froman, and Caiden Froman served as Senior leaders. Participants in APES last year, the trio helped with scoring and group activities. Each Senior Leader received a $100 college scholarship.
AC-S juniors selected for the APES program included Rufedah Adnan, Ema Anderson, Aiden Blankenship, Lily Bullington, Kensley Byrn, Laela Cline, Lily Cook, Charlize Drolet, Madison Gaddis, Abigail Green, James Hall, Ally Hayes, Brian Hayes, Katherin Hogan, Shelbie Holly, Amelia Holzman, Gloria Hurley, Abigail Keeler, Kacey Killen, Jacie McCord, Bailee McCormack, Ashlyn Meador, Brooklynn Melton, Mackenzie Minix, Avery Morris, Brooklyn Oliver, Peyton Pedigo, Ava Purvis, Jackson Smith, and Autumn Turner. All participants received certificates.