(by Don Meador)
For the 50th year, the top academic students in the junior class in Allen County have been given the opportunity to learn about the finer points of the business world. Last week, 26 juniors from Allen County-Scottsville High School participated in the annual three-day American Private Enterprise System (APES) Program organized by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in Allen County.
Under the guidance of a 12-member steering committee of school and community leaders, the students explored eight business-related topics, listened to guest speakers, and toured several local business establishments.
The program’s first day on October 26 began with the topic of “How America is Organized to Do Business” with State Representative Shawn McPherson---owner of McPherson Appraisals and Companion Care---providing the keynote address. Adam Tabor from Edmonton State Bank spoke on the topic of “Our Economy: How it Works.” The final speaker of the first day was Allen County Property Valuation Administrator Tracy Oliver sharing on the topic, “The Role of Government on Our Economy.”
The second day included talks and discussions on four 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.” Ada Oliver from Oliver Creative spoke about “Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships.” Katelyn Young with Faithway Alliance LLC briefed the students on “Cooperatives.”
The final topic covered was E-Commerce. Jason Morgan, president of the international company of CVT, Helios Technologies, spoke to the students about how to use the web to promote and manage businesses. The final day also involved the APES students looking at specific business situations, role-playing, and developing and sharing presenting prospective solutions.
In addition to the conference room presentations and discussions, the students toured Barefoot Republic on the first day. The group visited Griddles Restaurant, Southern Kentucky Aesthetics, Summit Title Company/Patriot Properties, and Salon 413 as part of a small business meet and greet on Wednesday, October 27. The final tours included a breakfast visit to Clifty Farms and a visit to The Halton Company on Thursday.
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 ($5.00)
based on a small assessment given following each topic presentation and discussion. Overall winners and Payday winners were announced during the program’s awards presentation prior to their conclusion on Thursday.
Aidan Davis was the top scoring student overall. Davis earned a $400 scholarship. Nine students received $200 scholarships---Blayne Wheeler, Cole Meador, Sarah Gamble, Embry Pierce, Nathan Oney, Dillion Ausbrooks, Jake Gardner, Rafe Blankenship, and Logan Garmon.
In addition, the top three individuals qualified for the opportunity to attend the APES state competition in Lexington on the University of Kentucky Campus in June of 2022. The students are Aidan Davis, Blayne Wheeler, and Cole Meador. Sarah Gamble, Embry Pierce, and Nathan Oney will be the alternates.
Payday winners were Aiden Davis (topics one, three, six, and seven), Hayden Stephens (topic two), Sarah Gamble (topics four and five) and Rachel Meador (topic eight). Dillon Ausbrooks was the jackpot Payday winner ($20.00).
Participating APES students also included Ellie Barton, Jaxon Baldwin, Wesley Coffee, Jaylee Covington, Taylor Gregory, Nathan Hairston, Karlee McGuire, Bailey Pitts, Ella Rickard, Calvin Smith, Jordan Turner, Bradley Wagoner, Ana Walker, and Joliene Williams.
AC-SH seniors Brady Alderson, Kalen Coleman, and Britney Watson served as Junior leaders. Participants in APES last year, the trio helped with scoring and group activities. Each Junior Leader received a $100 college scholarship. Coleman also earned the opportunity to attend the state APES conference.
The scholarships and awards are possible through cash donations from the Halton Company, the Scottsville Lions Club, Goad Funeral Home, Farm Bureau, North Central Telephone Cooperative, Summit Title Company, Tri-County EMC, Blankenship and Sons Pest Control, Allen County Extension Homemakers, Gunter Roofing, Allen’s Auto Sales, Sullivan’s Hardwood Floor Coverings, Edmonton State Bank, Young's Electric, and Harrison and Goin Law Firm.
Food and beverage donations were received from Sonic, Calvert Springs, Clark Distributing, Food Lion, Pizza Hut, Godfathers Pizza, Dumplings, Clifty Farms, Dairy Queen, J M Smucker, Domino’s, McDonalds, Bunny Bread, and Frito-Lay.