What exactly is CEO?
The CEO program, advised by Ms. Nealy Hamson, is a course offered to any senior students in Jefferson County who are interested in owning and managing their own businesses.
This year, the program boasts a roster of 24 students, making it the largest CEO class so far.
“So far so good, we have a great group of kids. They are currently all working hard on a concept for their class business,” stated Ms. Hamson.
Ms. Hamson explained that she enjoys being an advisor, but some challenges come with it.
“As the advisor, the biggest challenge I face is that this is not a traditional class – it is meant to be experiential and student-driven. There are times I want to give advice, but I have to sit back and let them fail sometimes,” says Ms. Hamson.
Due to the class starting early in the morning, and continuing over into first period, students have to wake up earlier than they are used to.
“When I had tennis, it affected my day because I had things going on non-stop. I was busy every day from 6:30 in the morning to sometimes 9:00 or 10:00 at night, but now that tennis is slowing down it is getting a lot easier,” said McKenzie Hughes, ‘25.
While CEO is a rewarding program for all involved, most students will still face many challenges throughout the year.
“To me, I think the hardest part will be all of the financing that’s involved,” said Emmalee Kroeschen, ‘25.
While some students have a concept for their business, while others are still making up their minds.
“I still don’t have a business, but right now I’m considering something in foods,” Malakai Mays, ‘25, explained.
Each year, the CEO class gets to decide on a class business that all students will collaborate on.
“I can’t reveal it yet, but some emojis were posted on our Facebook page as a sort of hint. A save the date should be posted sometime in the upcoming weeks, so be on the lookout,” Ms. Hamson says.
Overall, students agreed that the most difficult part of working together is coming to agreement as a group.
“Everybody has their different opinions that they want to express, so it can be hard to agree on things,” said Kroeschen.
Ms. Hamson had one last message to share.
“I recommend any current juniors to join CEO. Even if you aren’t necessarily interested in business, it is a great way to develop leadership skills and network. It is a program I recommend to everybody,” Ms. Hamson added.
