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Youthful entrepreneurs
By MICHELE MILLER, Times Staff Writer TRINITY -- It's lunch time at Mitchell High School and that means the school store is open for business. Although other school stores tend to stock mostly school supplies -- pencils, pens and the like -- Paul Savarese, 15, Ryan Banaszak, 16, and Chris Townsend, 14, are pitching flower arrangements and balloon bouquets. Those wanting to place an order for a special delivery for students or faculty members at Mitchell High or Seven Springs Middle are more than welcome to stop by and do some business. Also on sale for Homecoming are black and gold beads, pompoms and cowboy hats for those wanting to dress up for Rodeo Day. The school store is part of a Job Placement Program run by teacher Kim Gordon. Students enrolled in the program learn a variety of job skills while working on campus in the school store, media center, cafeteria and with the school maintenance crew and coaching staff, Gordon said. Students also work at a variety of local businesses as well as at the neighboring Seven Springs Middle School. "They learn everything from proper hygiene to being on time and being a good worker," said Gordon, adding that the program also provides incentive for those who tend to have poor attendance at school. These students don't receive a paycheck, but they do acquire high school credit -- one credit for five hours of work. The program is ideal for those not wanting to pursue a college education, Gordon said. "It helps get them the skills that are necessary to be successful out in the working world," she said. And while some are eager to get out and earn a paycheck, others might opt for further education after getting a taste of the working world, said Gordon. "Some of these kids decide they want to go on to vocational school," she said. After volunteering last year in the school store, Savarese said he was inspired to sign up for the Horticulture Program at Marchman Technical Education Center in New Port Richey. "This (Job Placement) program helps you," said Savarese, adding that he has learned a lot about the skill of flower arranging. "Now I want to own my own flower shop some day." Savarese, as it turns out, has turned out to be quite a salesman, Gordon said. Each day he ventures out among the students carrying a basket of carnations to sell for $1 a piece. "Every day he comes back and they're all gone." Proceeds from the sales go back into the Job Placement Program, said Gordon. "We buy uniforms for the students if they need them, classroom supplies and, of course, more stock for the school store," she said. To learn moreThose wanting to place balloon or flower orders for Mitchell High School or Seven Springs Middle School students or faculty should call the school store at (727) 774-9238 between 12:15 and 2 p.m. weekdays. Adult volunteers are needed to oversee students and extend the school store hours. To get information or to volunteer, call volunteer coordinator Patti Daley at (727) 774-9200.
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From today's Pasco Times Letters |
