Capitalism alive and well at GHS

By SCOTT POWELLLedger Staff Writer

Honors government students display an afghan sold this spring for a Junior Achievement project. Pictured are Stacy Hampton, Anna Hammett, Autumn Satterwhite, Sally Hamrick, James Brown, Yasmeen Ellis, Terry Ellis, Kayce Peterson, Matt Mills, teacher David Smith, Hung Tran, and Janay Corry.

A business venture by Gaffney High students turned into a windfall for local charities on Friday.

Honors government teacher David Smith watched his students distribute $6,000 among Meals on Wheels, Harbor of Hope, Cherokee Children’s Home, the Habitat for Humanity, Soup Kitchen and the school’s Renaissance academic incentive program at a ceremony in the lecture hall. The money represented profits and rewards earned by students participating in the state’s Junior Achievement Company Program.

Junior Achievement is a project where students study the free enterprise system by organizing a company and creating a product to sell. Students elect company officers, develop and sell a product, and keep financial records to monitor their progress in operating a profitable business.

Students formed “Indian Creations” and created an afghan called “School of Champions.” The throw rug showcased 30 different sports, taking its name from the school’s recent state championships in basketball, golf, and football.

The students started out with a goal of making a $500 profit on the afghans, according to Smith. As of Friday, “Indian Creations” had netted $1,512.

This resulted in South Carolina Junior Achievement adding $5,000 to the Gaffney High students profit total for distribution among local charities.

“We encourage all students to have an idea and go for the gold,” Junior Achievement vice president Christy Myllykangos said. “These Gaffney High students have done a phenomenal job. We are very proud of them. We hope this project teaches students about the importance of giving back to their community.”

Gaffney High figures show students raised more than $23,000 for local charities and community organizations this school year.

“Our students had a good time doing this. We hope to continue Junior Achievement next year,” Smith said. “It’s a good learning experience for our students.”