Virtual Enterprise (VE) offers students interested in business the opportunity to manage the day-to-day operations of a company. This year, FreshRoots, the 2022-2023 school year Virtual Enterprise team went to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to compete in a Virtual Enterprise competition.

Adviser Jennifer Richards works with her students and wants to help foster a love of business with her students.

“I guide the VE students to ensure they remain productive and educated on real-world business trends and resources. I provide the students with the opportunity to network and establish themselves amongst other individuals that are involved with the program,” Richards said.

Each year the Virtual Enterprise team works to create a firm with a small group of students. This firm acts like a typical firm with positions including Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operation Officer, along with other positions.

Autumn Johnson (12), the FreshRoots Chief Financial Officer, learned a lot about the financial side of running a business this school year.

“Being the only financial person in the class, it has taught me how to do many things ranging from financial plans to projections for a business. I have come a long way from the start of the class because by doing this position, you learn a lot of new skills. Being in this class has taught me how better work with a team and to bring ideas to life, and not only do that but making it better,” Johnson said.

Selena Mok (12), the Chief Operating Officer, gained a great deal from this experience and worked hard at the competition.

“Our firm FreshRoots worked very hard to get where we were. We were all proud of each other for making it this far, even though we did not make it to ‘Top 3’ to continue on in New York. As they were announcing the awards, we won first place in Best Booth Design, first place in Sales Materials and lastly third place in Marketing Plan,” Mok said.

Richards was proud of the team’s growth and work ethic this year and was pleased with the outcome.

“I am beyond proud of this year’s team, FreshRoots. The team worked diligently to place in the top three in the Southern region for marketing plan, business plan, sales materials, elevator pitch and booth design,” Richards said. “I am excited for the future of these students and the SHS Virtual Enterprise program!”