Jaimie Schmitz
jaimie@mylocalcountynews.com Not many high school students know about loans, collateral, taxes and bank accounts. In fact, some adults don’t know much about these things. But a class at Ewing High School is learning about finance while they start their own business. Yes, you heard that right. Teenagers are starting their own business. The idea started when Tamera Cooper, the business teacher at Ewing, came to the students with the idea of creating a store. “So we would learn first hand about the stuff that we are reading in the book,” said senior Danielle Anderson. With guidance from Cooper, the class created the business, Knock on Wood. “It’s the entire class doing it,” Anderson said. “We decided to have our store be called Knock on Wood because everything we make is made out of wood. The class makes the products themselves and run the business as well. They offer chairs, benches, toy barns, doll houses and picture frames made from authentic barn wood. The goal is to make $1,000. Their superintendent gave them a loan for $500. Soon after, they made that back along with $250. “It probably won’t be hard to make $1,000,” Anderson said. Knock on Wood had a display table at the Christmas program in Ewing. Anderson said after that, she knew the business could work. “I had people come up to me and ask me what they were, so no doubt we will get some orders. But so far we don’t have any in the books yet,” she said. “Definitely still the beginning stages.” There will be a craft show in Ewing at the end of February where Knock on Wood will have a vendor booth to sell more items. Until then, the class can work to make the product, learn to market the product, and figure out the best business plans. In the long run, Anderson believes that this opportunity will benefit her next year in college. “Me personally, I want to go into business,” she explained. “I want to major in strategic communications next year. So me being the head of marketing is pretty good practice.” Although this is the first time students have had an opportunity like this, Anderson thinks this will continue to next year. Knock on Wood can be reached by email at knockonwoodehs@gmail.com or by phone at 308-641-4550. |