STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 33
Maclain Halihan cuts off excess string for one of the Pathfinder Academy fall wreaths.
That entrepreneurial effort included the Pioneer Pop Cart and the Pioneer Pop Stand, which has enabled students to travel around Stillwater, selling homemade items such as beverages, snacks and flower arrangements at local businesses, City Hall or even FFA meetings. They switch up the products sometimes seasonally, but often stick to one particular product.
The Pioneer Pop Cart is for smaller offices, while the Pioneer Pop Stand is for larger venues such as City Hall, and students wear uniforms and bring tables and tablecloths.
During the week, Halihan said he enjoys making the Ranch-covered pretzels for orders and taking out the trash at the end of the day.
Intern Dylan McCubbin said so far that day, he’ d made three pom-poms.
His favorite activity?“ Riding the City bus,” he said. Another favorite activity for him was making taco soup.
At first, the class didn’ t realize how many orders they were going to have.“ Although it seems easy – and it is – it just takes a lot of time,” Mitchell said.“ I think we’ ve made over 700 pom-poms.”
Those interested in ordering a wreath may follow Pioneer Pathfinder Academy on Facebook. Each wreath is sold for $ 30.
Although the Pathfinders have stopped taking fall and Thanksgiving orders, they will take a short break, then begin on orders for the Christmas Holidays.
At first, the class didn’ t realize how many orders they were going to have.“ Although it seems easy – and it is – it just takes a lot of time,” Mitchell said.“ I think we’ ve made over 700 pom-poms.”
The Pioneer Pathfinder Academy offers a community for students with disabilities, ages 18-22, who have completed academic credits and received their diploma. The program provides them with opportunities for internships or jobs in the community, helps them find work studies at SHS and teaches them life skills.
One important skill set that Mitchell has been teaching her students is how to run a business. Initially, the class started with a coffee stand. When former Pathfinder educator Kelsie Tate took the program, she began developing plans for something larger.
Interns Christopher Tucker, left, and Dylan McCubbin have fun while making pom-poms.
STILLWATER OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE / 33