Students at Odessa Christian School got to test out their business skills Friday during Entrepreneur Day.
Thirty students packed the gym with products they created to sell.
Principal Pam Walker said the idea for Entrepreneur Day popped into her head one day. It was organized by parent Brook Belknap.
“I was just trying to think of things we could do to have more parent involvement that would also teach the kids something,” Walker said. “I guess God gave it to me.”
When she presented it to Belknap, she took off with it.
The range of goods for sale included jewelry, baked goods, popcorn, metal work and woodwork to name a few.
Belknap said they had worked on the event since the beginning of August.
Walker said the turnout was excellent.
“We didn’t expect anything near this big. Parents have been very supportive. It’s been great. It’s just a fun activity and kind of a kick off (of the) holiday season,” Walker said.
Walker said they will have the event again.
“When we started, the kids had to apply. They had to fill out an application. They had to tell us what they were going to sell. They had to tell us what they thought their expenses would be and what they thought their profit would be. … We also asked them what are you going to do with your proceeds?” Walker said.
She added that the answers were varied. Some were going to give it back to the school.
“One little boy was going to give it to a nursing home where his great-grandmother was. Some of them said they were going to shop for their families. … It was really touching, some of their responses,” Walker said.
Students also filled out exit tickets Friday asking them how much they spent and how much they made.
Ariana Eichenlaub and Ava Armentor, both 11-year-old sixth-graders, sold jewelry Friday.
“I’ve learned that it’s good to be creative in many ways,” Eichenlaub said.
Both girls said they like to save the money they make.
Amber Eichenlaub, Ava’s mom, said they are learning how to count money and be responsible. She added that it took a little more work than they bargained for to participate.
“They’re taking financial literacy as an elective, so this kind of goes with that. They’re learning how to save money and count money,” Amber Armentor said.
