Biz Wiz

Colorful posters are popping up around the school. Students are wracking their brains to come up with a cool slogan. They are preparing items for what feels like forever until finally the big day arrives when they can make a profit. This is what Biz Kids is about, but what many do not know is that students can go way farther than that. 

For the first time in Jefferson Academy history, a student was selected for the Young America's Financial Bank Youth Advisory Program. After completing Mr. Sharpley’s Entrepreneurship class, freshman Milena Quintana and her partner won first place in the Biz Kids competition, and she was recommended to compete nationally. 

“The Entrepreneurship class was about youth biz and really creating your own business and finances,” explained Quintana. “I enjoyed the social aspect and groupwork [of this class] and the opportunities I was given and how it promoted what I have now.”

Not only can you earn high school credit for this class, but students can actually make a profit from the Biz Kids Fair if they do well. This can help motivate students to work harder in the class. 

“We sold freeze-dried candy and we called it Crystalized Confections,” shared Quintana. “Our booth did pretty well, we each made $120 in profit.”

Outside of the fair, students competed against each other with their presentations. While it was a close call, Quintana and her partner won first place. 

“[The students] go in front of a shark tank of judges, professional people, and then they present their slideshow, and present what they’re going to sell. From there the judges decide,” elaborated Mr. Sharpley, the teacher of the Entrepreneurship class at Jefferson Academy. 

After the presentation, Quintana was approached and highly recommended to join the program. Despite facing tough competition, they knew Quintana would be able to succeed. 

“I got a business card from someone on the entrepreneurial board during Biz Kids,” shared Quintana. “I applied and I got emailed back where I got a Zoom Call interview. I then heard back that I made it on the board and it was pretty competitive. Over one hundred people applied and fourteen made it in. I am also the youngest on the board.”

While reviewing her application, the supervisors for the program were blown away by Quintana’s skills and cannot wait to see how much she grows as well as the difference that she is going to make. 

“Milena stood out immediately. She brings a combination of academic excellence, leadership skills, and a genuine passion for making a difference,” explained Gaddi Layden, one of the overseers of the programs at Young Americans Financial Bank. “Her initiative, strong voice, and collaborative spirit reflect the very qualities we look for in Youth Advisory Board members. We are confident she will make a meaningful impact on the board and be a source of inspiration for other students.”

Only the top percent of students who apply are chosen for the Young America's Financial Bank Youth Advisory Program. With most of the participants being from private schools, Jefferson Academy has never before been a part of this program until now. 

“This year, we have 16 schools represented statewide, and members are chosen based on their demonstrated leadership, commitment to community, and potential to be role models for their peers,” Layden shared. 

With something seemingly as small as a simple elective class, Quintana was able to push even further and make Jefferson Academy history. She will continue on to spread financial literacy among the youth in America, and the school cannot express how happy it is for her. 

“[We are] so proud of her,” Mr. Sharpley concluded. “She’s an exceptional student, exceptional speaker, and she’s going to do great representing JA.”