It’s fifth period, and as you walk through the halls during lunch, you happen to see a group of students crowded around a table. They seem to be chatting with the people sitting down, wearing shirts that read, “Move Well.” Around the table, this same logo can be seen printed on various items. Walking closer you witness a student demonstrating how to use various exercise products. How interesting! One of the students at the table happens to make eye contact with you, gesturing towards a table of products for sale. You might think you’ve encountered business owners, but you have actually just met the students who are taking Virtual Enterprise this year.
Students from Virtual Enterprise held their trade show on Feb. 13, 2025 in the little theater lobby during period four through eight. Bay Shore students and teachers had the chance to learn about various products and details about this brand new business. Products were presented at this table. These included textured foam rollers, and massage guns that hold the ability to help athletes reach their max recovery point.
What is Virtual Enterprise?
Virtual Enterprise is a program that was created to enhance students’ real world skills such as financial management, communication, and marketing tactics. Students work hands on and manage a business, just like in the real world today. As employees of Move Well, they even have a billing process where they even have to pay bills as well as pay the workers in order to keep the business thriving, and are also required to install a website featuring the various products the company offers as well as details about the company itself.
Jamie Stanulius, a teacher hoping to help students find pathways involving their own interest, facilitates the program at Bay Shore High School.
“What I’m hoping students gain from taking virtual enterprise is business and entrepreneurship skills. The value of their work ethic when it comes to the success of a firm, negotiating, networking, public speaking, the importance of creativity and leadership,” said Stanulius.
Impact beyond the classroom
Beyond school trade shows, students are even able to share their work events and presentations. One of the most memorable experiences one of the students, Layton Avinel witnessed during his time in Virtual enterprise was during the LIU trade show.
“We had a business presentation we had to do . We were in front of people in the actual business world. It’s kind of stressful but it gave us a good example of what the real business world is like,” said Avinel.
Bay Shore students who take the Virtual Enterprise elective have the chance to become business owners of a company the students agree to create. “Move Well,” a company developed this school year by eight students.
“We all noticed as a firm we had interest in sports that should make a company towards sports,” said Xavior Hector, the director of Human resources in the company. “Since that’s probably all the knowledge that we have in common.”
Are you interested in becoming the next students to create their own business? Do you want to learn valuable skills such as networking, and budgeting? Speak to a guidance counselor on further information regarding virtual enterprise. Get a head start in the world of business.
