St. Matthew’s School students continue business of service

Courtesy photo
The newly elected officers for St. Matthew School’s entrepreneurial business include (from left): Chief Executive Officer Nadia Jeffries, Chief Financial Officer Elyana Hewitt and Public Relations Specialist Lucy Hawthorn.

TYRONE — The start of the new school year saw the continuation of an important lesson in service for the students of St. Matthew School in Tyrone.

The St. Matthew Entrepreneurship Program is an integral part of the school’s Life Skills curriculum.

“As owners and operators of The Rescue Aid, each young business person completes lessons on how the U.S. system of capitalism was created and how it functions,” said program adviser Steve Stoner.

“In addition, they learn about the economics involved in running a business such as supply and demand, as well as marketing, customer acquisition and personal finance.”

The first action of the company was to elect its new officers to the board of directors. As in any business, the officers have specific duties that are necessary for the success of the company.

“I was elected as chief executive officer,” said fifth-grader Nadia Jeffries. “It will be my responsibility to watch over all parts of the company and to make sure everybody is doing their job so we can be successful. I really loved working on last year’s store and can’t wait to get started with our ideas for this year, especially the projects that help people.”

Elyana Hewitt was elected as chief financial officer. “As CFO, I take care of the money. It is a lot of math, tracking the money we make and then paying the bills. We are a service company so any profit we make is given to a charity. We do that because Jesus has taught us to help others.”

The third officer position of pubic relations specialist will be held by Lucy Hawthorn. “This is my first year being in the company, and I am a little nervous. I really like to draw and make things so I think my group of workers will be good at making posters and advertisements.”

After the election of officers, the student members brainstormed a variety of ideas for this year’s projects ranging from preparing a meal for local responders to running a school store for the holidays.

“We are already planning to visit a business near our school to learn how they make their products and advertise. That’s going to be lots of fun,” Jeffries said.

“The whole concept of service, which is a key mission of our school, is at the core of this program,” Stoner said. “Even though the students involved do not personally benefit financially from their business ventures, the skills they learn can easily be transferred to their own lives and any entrepreneurial idea they may develop on their own.

“Last year the company earned $307.16 that they donated to the Miracle League. This year’s group of officers have already decided that they want to top that number. That is because they know with God’s guidance, anything is possible.”

Updates on the company’s progress can be viewed on the school’s Facebook page at stmatthew-school.org.