GRIZZLY GEAR: Grace High School students start their own business

GRACE — Students from Grace High School have started a business to raise money to fund their Business Professionals of America Program.

The school's sports teams go by the name Grizzlies, so the students chose to name their business Grizzly Gear.

Bill VanDyke, the teacher who runs the Grace High School BPA Program, said the business that the students came up with is an engraving business where they can engrave logos and other things on hats, beanies and wood. He said they bought a laser engraving machine to use.

"We put a design into the software and the machine engraves it," he said.

VanDyke said he and his students had the idea to start the business so they wouldn't have to rely as much on fundraising to keep the BPA Program going.

"The community is very supportive of the school, but that's a heavy burden for a lot of the community," he said about fundraising.

VanDyke said the other reason they decided to start a business was to give the students hands-on experience.

"It's giving them real experiences where they can try and learn and succeed," he said.

VanDyke said the students handle everything that pertains to the business from marketing to finances to the design work.

"They do everything from A to Z," he said.

Grace High School student Lorrin Tingey said her role in the business is managing the finances and orders. She said she enjoys her role.

"My main job is making sure all the orders come in and that we have enough materials to fulfill each order," she said. "Being in charge of all the finances is something I really enjoy."

Lorrin said the most valuable lesson she's learned from the business is the need to take responsibility.

"If you're not on top of things, the business is going to fall apart," she said. "You need to be responsible for what you do."

Lorrin said she thinks the business is here to stay. She said it has provided her and her classmates with learning opportunities that will be valuable in the years to come.

"Me and my classmates have loved it," she said. "I think it will continue to grow."

If you'd like to learn more about Grizzly Gear and see some of the products for sale, visit the website GrizzlyGear148.com.

The business can also be contacted via email at grizzlygear148@gmail.com.