Huntington’s Haven VE Company Fights School Gun Violence

There’s a Virtual Enterprise company at Huntington High School named Haven; it’s “run by students for students.” The corporate team behind the venture said “we know what it feels after hearing about another school shooting in a school.” Rather than sit on their hands and do nothing, the teenagers decided to take action.

“We all fear with the same anxiety wondering if our school will be next and why this is still an ongoing issue affecting kids all over the United States,” said Haven in a corporate statement. “Haven stands against gun violence making it our No. 1 priority.”

Virtual Enterprise is a full-year, one credit honors business class available to Huntington High School juniors and seniors. “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 course bulletin. Course grades carry an “honors weighting.” Reduced rate college course credit is available on an optional basis through Farmingdale State University.

“At Haven, we aim to provide a safe environment for schools across the country,” according to a company overview. “We are dedicated to offering protection, support, and resources to ensure the well-being of schools facing threats to their students and faculty. We are committed to establishing a haven for communities where safety and peace of mind is a top priority.”

The Haven corporate team includes executives Grayson Dunn (CEO), Katie Sorto Cabrera (COO), Daniela Garcia (CFO), Spencer Krull (CSO), Jeremy Gross (CTO) and Thomas Smith (CMO); vice presidents Kymora Dorvilus (VP of human resources), Eshmal Fatima (VP of accounting and finance), Henry Stein (VP of sales) and Pressley Moss (VP of marketing); and associates Mabelin Maldonado (office manager), Jack Kamenstein (sales associate), Walter Kusterbeck (sales associate) and Austin Krywak (marketing associate).

Haven is working with Huntington High School business teacher Bryan Outsen, who is serving as a resource and offering guidance, but otherwise staying out of the way of the students.

“As someone who is eager to develop my leadership skills and eventually work in the business realm, I see firsthand how essential these abilities are to driving meaningful change,” Ms. Sorto Cabrera said. “Haven is a company that thrives on teamwork and unity, where every individual is committed to a shared mission; a never-ending fight for a safer future. The way Haven combines innovation, passion and collaboration is a true testament to how powerful a business can be when it is driven by purpose. I am excited to learn from this environment, grow as a leader, and contribute to a company that not only excels in the business world but also creates a lasting impact on society.”

The Haven team expressed excitement for upcoming trade shows as the team members are anxious to share their products with students from other high schools who can relate to the company on a personal level. The sales team has been working especially hard with the design and IT teams to insure all preparations are complete.

“At Haven we offer a manually retractable bullet proof barrier that aims to limit casualties caused by school shootings,” states the company’s mission. “These barriers lock into classroom doors adding bullet proof protection to any active threat. Teachers can use our product to protect themselves and their students. Along with the barrier we will have installation services and annual faculty training videos so all staff know how to properly use our barrier.”

Various fundraising initiatives are planned to support the company’s mission, including bake sales and pizza sale on November 20 where 10 percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Sandy Hook Promise organization.

“This class has been such a great opportunity for me, especially as a junior wanting to study business in college,” Ms. Dunn said. “It’s taught me so much, even in the first months, how important teamwork is and the difference it makes. Working together and sharing ideas within our class has created such a positive environment where we are all working for one common goal. This class is not only good for us as students, teaching us real world business skills, but it is also raising awareness for such a prevalent issue and important topic. I’m so excited to see how the rest of the year goes for my class and to learn even more about the business world along the way.”

Haven is currently raising awareness of the plight of gun violence and school shootings. The company team is discussing the issue with classmates around the high school and stressing the importance of addressing it.

Haven is preparing for trade shows on November 12 and December 5 during which they will showcase the company and its products.

“During the first phase of company planning, the students in fourth period Virtual Enterprise identified school shootings and student safety as the number one problem they are facing in their everyday lives,” Mr. Outsen said. “With the current climate of uncertainty on this topic, students eagerly hit the ground running identifying materials needed for, functionality of, and strategic partnerships for their Haven Barrier. It has been exciting to watch this group of students from all different backgrounds come together as a united front for a common cause. They have been tirelessly working on social media marketing, employee handbooks, company newsletters, a fully functioning e-commerce website, company budgets and payroll and a universal elevator pitch which they submitted for the national competition. I’m excited to see how far this group can go and home many schools they can bring their Haven to, as they embrace their slogan and ‘help protect tomorrow today.’”