JA PROJECT Bands to vie in Rock-off

So far, eight local bands have signed up to compete for the $100 first prize.
SEBRING -- Back in the dark ages (think "Grease"), when things got tough, the tough put on a show.
Fast forward to Jack Black, turning his class into a rockin' ensemble.
The Sebring High School Junior Achievement students, however, have taken the concept one step further.
Instead of picking up guitars and stepping out in front of the school, JA members decided to form a company and put on a battle of the bands.
They sent fliers to all local schools to attract bands to compete in the 2004 Rock-off, competing for a top prize of $100. Second will receive $60, and third will get $40.
A contract for booking the bands was drawn up, and so far, eight local bands have signed up: Senior Citizen, M.I.A., Obvious Culprit, Elixir, Current Condition, MERA, Another Local Band, and List of Dreams.
The bands will square off at 7 p.m. next Friday at Sebring Civic Center.
Tickets are $5, available at the door, at Room 116 in the high school or from any of the bands. Rock 104's Wes Styles will emcee the event, and Pastimes Productions will run sound and lighting.
Here's the purpose
Since this is Junior Achievement, the show is merely a means to an end.
The students put together a company, SED Productions, and chose the show as a way to earn money.
The class will learn about economics, marketing, advertising and teamwork.
Nick Huskins is community consultant.
The class, from grades 8-11, voted on officers and set up a company.
Officers are Bill Bowden, president, Canfield; Joel Hartman, vice president, Canfield; Kelsey Moore, finance director, Sebring; Mike Britt, production manager, Berlin Center; Rich Twaddle and Rachael Sharp, human resource managers, both of Sebring;
Support staff includes Tim Lodge, South Range; Michael Cable, West Branch; and Robert Nelson Vaughn, Sebring.
The group sold almost 150 shares of stock at $2 per share for capital. Stockholders will be reimbursed and profit shared when the company dissolves.
The money went toward printing posters, tickets, booking a venue, stamps, booking a sound company -- and a board of director's pizza party.
For more information, call Robb Marek (330) 938.4714.