Virtual Enterprise Present Decorated Pumpkins to Businesses

Huntington High School’s OmniBus Virtual Enterprise class team proved they are a creative bunch, decorating pumpkins in the design of local businesses and distributing them as a token of appreciation for being such an asset to the community.

“Not long ago, we spent time in class creating and developing our company logo and branding, so it tied in nicely with our curriculum,” business teacher Paige Furman said. “The students chose local stores and restaurants, painted incredibly creative logos and images and then delivered the pumpkins last Friday night. It was a great opportunity to network with the companies that are always so supportive of our school.”

Huntington’s Virtual Enterprise program has developed strong bonds with many local companies. “Even throughout the pandemic, as many businesses struggled, they would still show their support for our students by offering gift cards for fundraisers or giving them discounts on food for their bake sales and pizza sales,” Mrs. Furman said. “Main Street Nursery, for instance, generously donated all of the pumpkins for this project. It was a win-win for everyone, as all of the business owners seemed genuinely appreciative of the student’s gestures.”

The OmniBus executive team includes Chief Executive Officer Nikolai Seferian, Chief Operating Officer Ryan Lawless, Chief Financial Officer Izabela Cuji, Vice President of Human Resources Nikolai Lulewich, Vice President of Sales Daniel McNulty, Vice President of Marketing Nicholas Sclafani, Vice President of Design Ava Tizzio and Chief Human Resources Officer Sophie Lange. The rest of the class team is just as invested and energetic as the executives.

Students worked hard to make the pumpkins look appealing for display. “It was a really fun and nice thing to do for local businesses,” junior Ruby Meidenman said. “Getting into the Halloween spirt with our class and team bonding was great.”

As students made their way around town, business owners and their employees were happy to be given the colorful pumpkins. “If you're in the village this week, keep an eye out for all the newly added student artwork,” Mrs. Furman said.

The business students enjoyed the initiative. “I personally think that this experience was an amazing opportunity for our VE firm to build on our relationships with each other,” Ms. Lange said. “Seeing the store owners faces really was an eye opener to see how doing something for the community can be reciprocated by just putting a pumpkin on a stoop. I would do this event again for any other holiday!”