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Jackson County High students present business program, community service projects
Summary
Jackson County High School business teacher Sarah McQueen and students described a hands-on business and FBLA program, a school store, Cinderella’s Closet for prom assistance, community events and student competitions.
Sarah McQueen, the business and marketing teacher at Jackson County High School, told the Jackson County Public Schools board that she redesigned the high school business program to add hands-on opportunities and student-run enterprises.
McQueen said the students operate a mobile school-spirit cart for home events and run a school store attached to her classroom. “We use money that we generate to help with FBLA and to also just give back to the school store,” McQueen said.
The program also oversees Cinderella’s Closet, which McQueen said matches students with donated formalwear for prom, homecoming and a military ball. “Just because a kid cannot afford to have a nice prom dress or a tuxedo to go to prom, they shouldn't have to miss out on the experience,” McQueen said. She said the program matched more than 20 students last year and created a separate closet for middle-school students.
McQueen highlighted community service projects tied to FBLA, the school’s Future Business Leaders of America chapter. She reported a food drive that produced 47 food boxes, a glove-and-beanie drive for 40 Jackson County High School students, and participation in a community event called Blue on the Hill that she said drew “around 500-plus community members” and 60-plus student volunteers.
On competitive extracurriculars, McQueen said FBLA membership grew from about 13 members in 2023 to 36 paid members last year and 74 paid members this year, making the chapter one of the larger ones in the region. She said seven students placed in the top three at regional competitions last year and attended state competitions; 28 students are scheduled to compete this season, though the regional contest was rescheduled to March 14 because of expected snow.
Students Gabby (student, Jackson County High School) and Carly (student, Jackson County High School) presented a digital video created for FBLA promoting tourism in Jackson County. “Our video highlights our natural beauty, rich history, and unique attractions that make Jackson County...a hidden gem of natural beauty, culture, and history,” the students said during their presentation.
