Marian students participate in Free Enterprise Week 2018

Two Marian Catholic High School students attended the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 2018 this past summer on the campuses of Lycoming College and Penn College in Williamsport.

Vladimir Holoviak, son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Holoviak of Hazleton, and Robert Kuznicki, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Kuznicki of Lehighton, traveled to the weeklong economic education program, which offers students an inside look at the private enterprise system and the way the free market works.

Admission into the program is based on motivation to learn which is demonstrated through essays submitted by the applicants. Those accepted are rewarded full scholarships. These scholarships cover all program costs, excluding a registration fee and transportation. Students are housed in campus dorms where they get to experience a taste of college life.

During the week, groups of students are placed into “companies” and simulate the actual operation of their own businesses for the equivalent of three years.

Volunteers from the business community serve as advisers who mentor and guide the students as they face many of the same decisions real executives do. Each company also elects a CEO to be the team leader.

Each company competes against each other in the areas of management skill, return on new assets, a marketing and advertising campaign, and a presentation to stockholders. Every student who attends the event learns the value of teamwork, cooperation and leadership.

While there, speakers present seminars and discussions covering topics such as relationship of business with labor, government and consumers. Motivational speakers also came and talked about how to overcome obstacles, how to be your best self and more. Funded, taught and staffed by the Pennsylvania business community, the Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week is supported by seven manufacturer’s associations, more than 100 chambers of commerce, and more than 800 companies.