IN Shaler Fall 2016 | Page 11

AREA STUDENT RECEIVES FULL SCHOLARSHIP TO PENNSYLVANIA FREE ENTERPRISE WEEK Eric Dudgeon, son of Mark and Pam Dudgeon and a senior at Shaler Area High School, was granted a full scholarship to attend Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 2016 at Lycoming College in Williamsport. Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week (PFEW) is a week-long economic education program that offers students an inside look at the private enterprise system and the way the free market functions. There were five, one-week sessions offered this summer, and PFEW was attended by more than 2,000 incoming high school juniors and seniors from over 300 high schools. Eric attended week two in July. Admission was based on motivation to learn, which was demonstrated through essays submitted by the applicants. Those accepted were awarded scholarships, which covered all program costs, excluding a nominal registration fee and transportation to and from Williamsport. When students arrived for their one-week session, they were housed on the campus in dormitories where they experienced a taste of college life. During the week, student “companies” simulated the actual operation of a business for the equivalent of three years. Business volunteers served as “Company Advisors” who mentored the students as they faced many of the same decisions real executives confront. The companies competed against each other in the areas of management skill, return on net assets, a marketing and advertising campaign and a presentation to stockholders. Company Advisors did not make decisions for their team, but suggested available options and shared their own experiences and challenges. Scholarship winners learned the value of teamwork, cooperation and leadership. Dozens of world-class speakers presented seminars and discussions covering topics like the relationships of business with labor, government and consumers. The students also heard talks about business ethics, management and leadership skills, the economic system’s future, the global marketplace, money and banking, business operations, careers in business, marketable skills and much more. Totally funded, taught and staffed by the Pennsylvania business community, PFEW is supported by seven manufacturer’s associations, more than 100 chambers of commerce and more than 800 companies. Now in its 37th year of operation, PFEW’s governing body is the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information, visit pfew.org. YOUR ONE STOP SHOP Aldi | Kmart Fresenius Medical Care | Kumon Math and Reading Center of Fox Chapel Monte Cello’s Restaurant | Nails One | PNC Bank | Renee’s Hallmark Rite Aid | UPMC Northern Medical Associates | Vitamin Gallery | Wine & Spirits SHALER PLAZA Route 8, 880 Butler Street Continued on next page > A Zamagias Properties’ Entity Shaler | Fall 2016 | icmags.com 9