Business heroes found at local high schools

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BY DeGroote School of Business

April 8, 2010

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/HSBH_closing.jpg” caption=”Westmount High School students Janit Chawla, Dave Park and Traci Hetherington, winners of High School Business Heroes, pose with their prize and judges.”]

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Everybody dreams of being a hero. Everybody wants to make a difference. Recently, the DeGroote School of Business gave high school students the opportunity to do so. During the fourth annual High School Business Heroes program, the best and the brightest high school students from our local community demonstrated that they have what it takes to be heroes in the business world.

This year, the annual High School Business Heroes program teamed up with Investors Group to challenge students from the Hamilton, Halton and Peel regions to create a marketing campaign for a selected financial institution that encourages young adults to invest their money at an early age.

Beginning with 114 students registered in thirty-nine teams, the participation rate has grown substantially since the program's establishment in 2006. At the closing ceremonies held recently, the top five teams presented their marketing strategies to a panel of expert judges as they competed for a $1,000 cash prize and the ultimate title of the High School Business Heroes of 2010.

Traci Hetherington, Janit Chawla and Dave Park from Westmount High School blew away the judges with their innovative marketing strategy. Their team, JDT, secured first place in the competition with their idea to implement a Student Advantage Savings Account for McMaster students in conjunction with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC).

Over the course of the competition, student participants attended weekly seminars presented by various industry professionals to help them develop their marketing strategies. Students learned everything from marketing skills to presentation etiquette.

Co-chair Chelsea White, a participant in the program in its inaugural year, attested to the growth the program has experienced. “High School Business Heroes is remarkable for its continuous ability to bring the best out of each and every student participant involved.”

Co-chair Alaina Giles commented on the passion demonstrated by the student participants. “The students' desire to succeed in this competition is unbelievable. These young minds never fail to amaze us with their innovative ideas.”

The success of the program this year serves as an indication of its potential growth. High School Business Heroes hopes to continue to inspire high school students in the coming years.

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