Naperville Dist. 203 students turn entrepreneurs

Naperville Central and North high school students learned the ins and outs of the business world this spring, turning into entrepreneurs for their business management classes.

Students were responsible for their own businesses from the ground up - selecting leaders and staff, studying the feasibility of their ideas, developing business plans and even selling stock, according to Central teacher Janet Sommerville. Each then operated for about four weeks before liquidating their assets and shoring up their finances.

"During the process of running the company, students face the same issues and challenges that real companies face," Sommerville said. "They deal with human relations issues, financial challenges, supplier challenges, pricing challenges, etc."

In the end, they evaluated their companies and presented their results to area business experts.

Sommerville and Peter Catalano led the way at Central while Carliss Harris did the same at North. Students also had guidance from area business pros Kevin Piket, Rick Bedell, Tom Apicella, Kevin Dolan and Megan Tingle.

The Career Insights Program is a partnership of the school district and Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club of Naperville and Naperville Sunrise Rotary.