Over 420 students competed in the Y.E.S. for Arkansas (Youth Entrepreneur Showcase for Arkansas) business plan competition. Calico Rock GT had two teams that were announced to the Top 25 Finalists and went on to compete in the virtual finals, January 21st.
The Y.E.S. for Arkansas Competition is put on by the state capital and brings a unique level of awareness to entrepreneur education not found elsewhere on a statewide scale. It's hands-on and students are responsible for writing the business plan. Students must invent something new or think of an innovative way to make something that already exists, even better. They have to figure out how their idea will work, how it can be brought to market, and do the math to see if it can make money. Cash prizes will be awarded for Best Business Plan, Most Innovative Idea, Best Retail Booth Display, and Best Marketing Piece. Our students are well on their way to proving their products are in fact marketable.
Sydney Stanley, Gracie Hicks, and Jaelyn Whiteaker are the creators of Moo Moo Brownies and say they can't keep their brownies made fast enough. They aren't just regular brownies, they are made with healthy ingredients like spinach and built in 3D shapes to look like a cow. You'll never have to fight to get your kids to eat their vegetables again!
Kenley Whiteaker actually started her idea as a Shark Tank assignment in her classroom, but was quickly challenged by Mrs. Pool to expand on the idea and compete in the Y.E.S. Competition. Rather than coming up with another idea, she decided to help combat bullying for kids who wear glasses and build on her existing idea. Kenley's Glamorous Glasses Charms are unique personalized charms that fit on your glasses. They are for boys and girls of all ages! She has sold out of her product multiple times already. Kenlee even made a commercial to promote her charms. When she showed her teacher her commercial, she asked her mom to take it down until she had a patent on her product. Her mom, grandma, and teacher believed so much in her product, Kenley filed for her first patent on her product.
In the final competition, Kenley won 2nd Place for Best Retail Booth, winning $75.00 for herself and $300.00 for the sponsoring teacher, Mrs. Kish Pool. Mrs. Pool and her students have been preparing for this competition since October 2021. Kenley is a 4th grader and first time competitor against 5th-8th grade students across the state. She stood out as a top competitor!
In addition to the competition, Friday, January 14, only 7 teams were chosen by the Venture Center in Little Rock to present their products and these two teams were among those chosen. Calico Rock Students are doing big things. Congratulations to both teams. You can purchase charms on Instagram at Kenley's Glamorous Glasses Charms!