Students in the Perryville CEO Program recently presented their final projects — entrepreneurial businesses that they created — to the community and program sponsors. The event was held at The Warehouse in Downtown Perryville, and each student presented their business ideas to visitors.
The Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Program is a 3-hour block program at Perryville High School in partnership with Perryville Area Career & Technology Center. Students from Perryville, Saxony Lutheran, and St. Vincent High Schools who live in Perry County spend class time in local businesses learning from the people who drive the progress and success of Perry County.
“This program is a true partnership between our schools and our business community,” said program facilitator Amy Camarillo. “Students are immersed in the business world from Day 1 with the opportunity to learn from experts in nearly every industry and service area, from banking to government to marketing to trucking.”
In January, the CEO students used their newfound knowledge to develop detailed business plans for products and services that they believe the community needs. Several of the students intend to go forward with their businesses, while others plan to attend college or trade school at this time and may pursue their businesses at a later date.
Some examples of their businesses included: Gourmet Grazing by Amelia Wilson, who presented personalized charcuteries for clients as well as to-go charcuteries; John Schwartz Lawncare, LLC; HomeFront, a sign company proposed by Kaleb Huber; Purr and Paw Lodge, a pet boarding and grooming business by Savannah Lukefahr; and the Perry County Admirals youth soccer program by Waylon Huber.
The Perryville Area CEO Program Advisory Board brings together local leaders from many industries and organizations. Jared Cochran of Speed Fabrication and Carisa Stark of Mary Jane Burgers and Brews are the co-chairs, and members are EDA Executive Director Crystal Jones, Dave Monier of Robinson Construction Company, Ed Flores of The Bank of Missouri, Dennis Bohnert of First State Community Bank, Amy Kiehne of Saxony Lutheran High School, Melanie Dodd of St. Vincent High School, and Craig Hayden of District 32.
For more information about the Perryville CEO program, contact any board member or program facilitator Amy Camarillo at acamarillo@pcsd32.com.