Cardinals Nest Big On Community Support

Every summer, a new team of advanced marketing & entrepreneurship students at Fond du Lac High School (FHS) meet with Jennifer King, marketing and business teacher at FHS, anxious for the opportunity to operate their own school-based enterprise (SBE) for the upcoming school year.  At FHS, that SBE is more commonly known as The Cardinal’s Nest, and it not only helps our students grow their skills and knowledge in business, but it also allows them to build their community leadership skills.

This year’s new team had the opportunity to make a big impact with The ARC and special needs programs in the Fond du Lac schools through an initiative set in motion by the 2014-15 team.  With the donation of four new bowling ramps for their recreational use at Ledgeview Bowling Lanes in FDL as well as a total of $300 in donations to both groups to assist with bowling fees, the Cardinal’s Nest is on track to have another big year of community support.

While providing students with a real hands-on opportunity to run a business, the Cardinal’s Nest is one of the best opportunities FHS students have to become career and college ready.  From collaboration to communication, creativity to critical thinking, these students are fully embracing the goals of preparing students of the Fond du Lac School District to take that next step.  By the end of the year, this Cardinal’s Nest team of students comes to work with and understand all aspects of business operations and exhibit their skills and knowledge through a completed portfolio that supports the Wisconsin Cooperative Education Skill Certification in Retail Management.

Their community leadership skills are exhibited through various projects throughout the school year which have included food collections, hat, mitten, and coat collections, and volunteerism.  The group has also made numerous donations over the years which include programs and initiatives that support students and classrooms throughout the school district, building assistance or improvements, and youth athletic organizations.

In the photo:

Fond du Lac High School (FHS) Senior Carver Nolan, public relations leader for the 2015-16 Cardinal’s Nest, presents a $300 check to Harper Mruk, Director of Development, and Brian Shaver, Special Olympics Coordinator from The ARC of Fond du Lac at Ledgeview Lanes.  The donation is being shared by The ARC Fond du Lac and the special needs program at FHS to support recreational bowling activities for its members and students.  

 

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