Campbell fifth-grader launches business endeavor

By Sarah Lehr | June 1, 2017 at 12:03a.m.

CAMPBELL

When Kendall Brunn, 11, offered to sell a homemade bracelet to her math teacher, she launched a schoolwide project.

Kendall’s initiative inspired teachers to create the “Kids BIZ” program for fifth-graders at Campbell K-7 School.

Students divided into small groups to develop and sell their own products.

“We always try to look for real-world experiences,” said Krystal Zoumis, fifth-grade intervention specialist. “I think they liked being in charge of their own company. It gave them some self-confidence.”

The Campbell Parent-Teacher Organization sponsored Kids BIZ, which generated about $1,000 in total profits.

Proceeds will be divided between field trips for Campbell students and a partnership with the Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley.

The organization’s “BackPack Program” provides food for at-risk children to take home.

The assignment spanned multiple academic disciplines. Students calculated expenses versus revenue and wrote persuasive essays about why people should buy their merchandise.

In science class, they determined the environmental impact of their commodities.

Avey Vazquez, 10, and Elaysha Underwood, 12, sold T-shirts emblazoned with the school’s red devil mascot.

“We made the most dollars out of every group,” Elaysha noted with pride.

For Kendall, making bracelets for her “Jewelry Barn” business was a creative outlet.

“When I make them, I calm down because I have to concentrate,” she said.

The fifth-grader admits she enjoys the material benefits almost as much as the artistic ones.

“I like money,” Kendall said. “Money buys candy, and I like candy.”