In a display of Huntington High School students at their finest, two teams of Virtual Enterprise business course company executives made respective pitches for their products at this week’s public meeting of the Huntington School Board in Adam Spectator Auditorium at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School.
Huntington’s Virtual Enterprise program has quickly gained popularity with students. Company teams have won many awards and advanced to national levels in competitions. Many program alums are now studying business and related areas in colleges across the country.
Artemis company executives following a presentation to the Huntington School Board.
A full-year, one credit business course, “Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set-up and run by students to prepare them for working in a real business environment,” according to the high school’s course bulletin.
On Monday, articulate executives from the Artemis and Paladin companies discussed their products with the style and poise that left audience members in complete awe. The enthusiastic teenagers presented in strong, confident voices. They were well-informed and dressed like real life corporate executives. Teacher Paige Tyree Furman accompanied the students.
“Our Virtual Enterprise teams have done truly terrific work in all aspects of their entrepreneurial endeavors and continue to demonstrate the considerable value attached to experiential learning,” Huntington Superintendent James W. Polansky said. “Further, the VE process has contributed to building and enhancing team members’ collaborative, communicative and presentation skills … beyond impressive in all regards. I look forward to hearing more from them, as well as watching the VE program grow at both the high school and middle school levels in the years to come.”
After seeing just how popular the Virtual Enterprise initiative has been at the high school, district officials developed a junior VE program for J. Taylor Finley Middle School students. The new program is funded in the proposed 2022/23 district budget.
Paladin’s product is a 24 hour car surveillance system that protects against theft and provides accident aftercare by notifying emergency services. “We offer a product that provides total auto security,” according to the group. “We are affordable, installable, and available to all. I have complete confidence in our product and its possibilities.”
Paladin’s presentation team featured Caroline O’Rourke, Leah Sheran, Neha Rathore, Jazlyn Chapas-Oliva, Keira Francis and Adrianna LoScalzo.
“We were super happy to have been able to show all of our hard work to the Board of Ed,” Ms. O’Rourke said. “We are so thankful to them for funding this program. It has been the most influential class of my high school career.”
The Artemis product line features a pet collar that helps maintain the health and safety of pets. Its features include tracking a pets’ location, heart rate monitor and a cell phone app that connects to an owner’s phone so they can keep track of a pet’s wellness.
Artemis’ presentation team included Sophie Bradford, McKenna Buffa, Vincent Grassi and Angie Hernandez-Ramos.
“Presenting our hard work at the Board of Education meeting was such an honor for both of our firms,” Ms. Buffa said. “We are so grateful for this program and the opportunities it has opened up for us. We are especially thankful for our teacher, Mrs. Tyree for her support and helping us succeed this year.”