They say necessity is the mother of invention. It can also serve as parturition to your CEO Class business we learned at Thursday’s Kiwanis program. CEO Facilitator Tracy Orr brought 11 of her 13 year nine students to the civic organization in advance of the annual Trade Show on Monday. While this year’s student body embarks on varied individual businesses, some chose to look in the mirror to find solutions to problems they themselves have run into. Participants Kyler Fisher and Susie Jackson explain.
Fisher: Mine comes from a struggle of never having a bookmark on hand when I need one. I’d go to stores and not like any of them so I looked online and they come in bulk and I’m going ‘Why?!’ so I thought why not make it easier on people by buying in bulk and then sending them out one by one to individuals who want one.
Jackson: And then similar to Kyler, I never have a notebook. I’m always running out.
The pair then saw opportunity and took it up a notch by agreeing to cross promote strategically. Others are making clever if coincidental moves as well. Ava Shiever, this year’s CEO Chief Executive Officer is planning to continue her education after high school with aims on working in dentistry. Certainly, it’s coincidence then that the innovative CWCHS Senior’s business Elevated Sweets serves up indulgent chocolate-covered pretzels and strawberries.
Businesses you’ll be able to shop Monday from 5-7pm at the White County Fairgrounds Floral Hall include:
Aidan Willis – Willis Pro Shop
Kyler Fisher – Mark His Word
Susan Jackson – Note Taken, Note Given Notebooks
Ava Shiever – Elevated Sweets
Callie Acord – The Pop Shop (cake pops)
Shae – My Beautiful Skin (soap and sugar scrubs)
Alexa Rush – Sugar Rush (freeze dried fruit and candy)
Lauren Burzynski – Linked by Lauren (permanent jewelry)
Madi Rideout – Totally Faithful (custom and pre-made tote bags)
Haylie Pringle – Uniquely Strong (
Anamarie McPherson – Ana Pickle
The other two students who had other commitments include Laney York and Alexa Knight, the class CFO. York is offering a service-based business providing voice and piano lessons. Knight’s business is Remi’s Perfect Pairs. Some of the students will be able to accept Venmo or debit/credit; some will only be set up to accept cash Monday evening.
As this year’s CEO Class winds down, preparations are also already underway for the 2025/2026 group. Orr would only say she’s expecting 16 total students.
Also Thursday, Mrs. Lacey Moore, Principal at Jefferson Attendance Center recognized the 3rd Quarter Most Valuable Bulldogs. They include Cobie Greene, Chandler Wring, Leyah Brenner, and Kynzee Westfall.
