A&M International Honors Award-Winning YES Camp Students' Business Plans

The best and brightest of business plans developed by high school students were judged recently by members of the Laredo business community.

The students were all participants in the Youth Entrepreneurship Summer (YES) camp at Texas A&M International University.

The students' plans were judged based on overall organization and presentation, strength of their market analysis and the completeness and accuracy of financial projections. Students presented their plans and responded to judges' questions. Plans judged "Best" were the recipients of a $250 cash prize.

Morning session students earning the "Best Business Plan" award were Iris A. Sencion (Alexander High School) and Humberto Villarreal (Alexander) for their plan for a musical mariachi entertainment business. Second place went to students Laura E. Garcia (Alexander) and Raquel Garcia-Rios (United High School) for their business plan to construct and sell customized fashion jewelry.

Afternoon session students receiving the "Best Business Plan" award were Juan Galvan Jr. ( J. W. Nixon High School) and Jorge Guajardo (Alexander) for their plan for a music instruction business for teenagers and young adults.

Second place was awarded to students Emma Govea (United) and Denholm Oldham (Nixon) for their business plan for a childrens daycare and education center.

Judges for the event were Perry Finger, Norwest Bank; Carlos Guzman, Laredo National Bank and Albert Lowry, Laredo National Bank.

Dr. Michael Patrick, professor of economics, director and instructor of the YES Camp, said program students learned to bridge the gab between their dreams and reality regarding business success.

"Through class assignments and a required business plan, students have come to appreciate the many difficulties and uncertainties that business people face daily in their efforts to make a profit," Patrick said.

Corporate sponsors for this summer's YES Camp included Norwest Bank, Laredo National Bank, South Texas National Bank, Laredo Development Foundation and the Laredo Manufacturing Association.

For further information, please call Dr. Michael Patrick, professor of economics, at 326-2515.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu