Young Entrepreneurs showcase their stuff
By Joan Janzen
Elizabeth Middle School’s gym was filled with quality products supplied by PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs on Tuesday, June 20. It was obvious these Grade 5 students had put a lot of work, thought and creativity into their projects.
The students were excited about donating ten percent of their profits to their classmate Kenji Garcia, who is on his road to recovery in a Saskatoon hospital. But as one young entrepreneur excitedly pointed out, “But we can give more than ten percent if we want to!”
Not only were the students excited about helping another student, but they were also passionate about the products they were selling. A wide variety of items were on display, including scented candles and lotions, painted rocks, bracelets, fish hooks, multi-coloured crayons, coffee cups, scrunchies, and much more.
Grade 5 students at Elizabeth Middle School offered a wide variety of products for sale at the Power Play Young Entrepreneurs, which took place on Tuesday, June 20. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Adam Grassing offered his arrangement of hand painted rocks at PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs at Elizabeth Middle School on Tuesday, June 20. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
Ava Kelly had her handmade scrunches for sale at PowerPlay Young Entrepreneurs at Elizabeth Middle School on Tuesday, June 20. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
PowerPlay was started last year by Kirsten Elder, a Grade 5 teacher at Elizabeth School. She said the positive response from students, staff, parents and the community was so overwhelming she decided to make the program even bigger and better.
She brought two more teachers on board, and with the help of donations from Simplot and Community Futures, the 2023 trade show was underway. The students had a whole lot of fun while gaining practical life skills.
Those life skills include: interacting with customers, discovering the impact of giving, setting and achieving goals, acquiring confidence, and developing a business plan and entrepreneurial mindset. This effective educational program helps students from grades 4 to 8 gain real-life career experience by exploring the business world.
But the best part of all is family, friends and community are invited to the trade show to purchase the products and interact with the students. Good job, kids! Thanks for sharing with the community and helping a friend in need.