Elkhatib Wins Inaugural Local FLEX Competition
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Vidalia High School Student Zachary Elkhatib came out on top in the local Southeastern Early College and Career Academy Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience (FLEX) Competition, as Elkhatib’s business was selected to advance to the state FLEX competition in April.
FLEX is an entrepreneurship program for high school students that engages them in the business world through experiences and mentorships. Students in FLEX create real businesses, provide real products and services, and make real money. Local business partners, along with community leaders and teachers help to make this program a success, investing in the program through teaching workshops and mentoring student entrepreneurs. At SECCA, students learn to create business plans, manage finances, and cultivate their businesses from both local business officials and experts at the Greater Vidalia Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.
The program is open to students at Montgomery County High School, Toombs County High School, Treutlen County High School, and Vidalia High School, and the participants compete through three levels of competition to earn a shot capturing some investments to secure their business’s future and a state title.
Elkhatib’s business, “Zach’s Durty Dogs,” has been highly successful in the community, participating in several local events. Judges selected the hot dog stand to move on to the finals of the state competition, but championed all entrepreneurs in the local competition.
“I am very proud of our students who competed in the program.' SECCA Chief Executive Officer John Sharpe emphasized, ' [SECCA FLEX Coordinator Amy] Gillies and all of the students did a phenomenal job participating in our first year of FLEX competition. We are excited for Zach to compete at the state level, and hopefully bring home a state title. Congratulations, students, on a job well done!'
Fellow Vidalia High School Senior Jeremy Best also competed in the competition, as his business, Best Drone Services, came in 2nd Place at the competition.
“We’re extremely excited for Zach and Jeremy,” said Vidalia High School Principal Bruce Mulkey. “They've both made investments in themselves, which is the essence of the entrepreneurial spirit and the FLEX program. We are proud that they'll be representing VHS at the state level. It's another example of our students pursuing and demonstrating excellence.”
Third place was tied between two competitors, as Sarah Ellis Walker and her business, SEWn, and Lauren McArthur and her business, Creations by Lauren, LLC, also found favor among the judges.
Elkhatib, Best, Walker, and McArthur all showcased their wares and what they have learned throughout the program during the FLEX expo on January 29, as the public was able to come learn more about the projects.
'The goal of FLEX is to create prosperity and revitalize rural entrepreneurial ecosystems through the education of students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in the establishment of small businesses. The workforce crisis continues to grow and is felt most acutely in rural areas. FLEX has proven to be the most effective tool to create the next generation of Georgia's entrepreneurs and business leaders,” FLEX Coordinator Amy Gillies told the attendees.
These young entrepreneurs will continue to work on their budding businesses under the guidance of the FLEX program. For more information on SECCA or this class, please call (912) 538-3248.
ADVANCING TO STATE – Zachary Elkhatib won the local FLEX entrepreneurial competition and will now move on to the state competition, which will be held in April.
