Juniors from all three local high schools participated in Business Week on the last week of March.
This last week was abuzz with Business Week occurring in downtown Raymond. Juniors from all three high schools participated in a week-long Business Week series sponsored by many local businesses and the GEAR UP Program.
Companies were comprised of students from each school, totaling 10-12 students per company. Students learned about running a business and the various factors that affect decisions, such as employee morale and business ethics. Each company worked with a volunteer Company Advisor who enlightened them on the various facets of a business. The volunteers included Erik Wilson (Weyerhauser), Patricia Van Duren (South Bend School District), Karen Tully (local author), Faith Eldred (Olympic Septic Systems), Kayla Calabrese (PUD), Chris Halpin and Ron Brummell.
Security State Bank, New Life Fellowship, PUD, City of Raymond, Raymond Fire Station and many others donated space so each company could have their own rooms. Weyerhauser donated green beanie caps, headphones and gum to each of the juniors from all three schools
Friday was the big day with students dressing up to present and market their wares to more than 40 businessmen and volunteers from the community who acted as investors. The competition was fierce, and the money was flowing with learning and laughing.