At our school, we take great pride in nurturing students who demonstrate initiative, empathy and a genuine commitment to making a difference beyond the classroom. Mia’s involvement in the St Catherine’s Hospice Youth Enterprise Project exemplifies these values at their very best.
Read on to discover what Mia has to say about her journey — from participant to becoming the very first student judge — and how the experience has shaped her understanding of enterprise, leadership and socially responsible business.
“Last year, my business class and I entered the St Catherine’s Hospice Youth Enterprise Project to raise money for the hospice. Using the business skills we were developing through our A-level studies, we worked together to raise as much money as possible while building a sustainable and engaging initiative. Through our efforts, we won the award for Best Marketing Strategy, and I was incredibly proud to receive an individual award, the “Future Fundraiser.”
I am now honoured to say that I have been invited back as the first student judge on the panel. It feels incredibly special to return in a new role, and I am especially excited about the opportunity to help judge this year’s competition and present the new Future Fundraiser award. Having been in the position of a participant myself, I understand just how much hard work, creativity and commitment goes into each project. To now be part of the judging process feels like a real full-circle moment.
Last year’s enterprise was such an amazing experience. Not only did I get to apply my business knowledge in a practical and meaningful way, but I also had the opportunity to make a genuine difference in our community. Very quickly, I developed a real passion for the project. It became more than just an assignment, it was something I truly cared about.
One of my main contributions was making over 70 scrunchies to sell to the prep school children. When demand increased and we needed more stock, we considered buying them cheaply in bulk. However, I felt strongly that we should not compromise our values by sourcing products from unethical suppliers. Instead, we chose to keep our business sustainable by asking members of the wider community to help us make additional scrunchies. This ensured that we maintained our ethical standards while still working towards our fundraising goals.
Sustainability was something I cared deeply about. I wanted to prove that raising as much money as possible did not have to come at the expense of being ethically responsible. Balancing profitability with sustainability was one of the most important lessons I learned. Business is not just about maximising revenue; it is about making thoughtful decisions that reflect your values and have a positive impact.
My favourite part of the enterprise was undoubtedly the colour run. It was such a fun and vibrant event to be part of. Not only did we raise a significant amount of money, but we also created an experience that brought the school community together. Seeing students enjoying themselves while supporting such an important cause was incredibly rewarding.
This year, I am particularly looking forward to the opportunity to judge the competition. I am excited to hear the new teams’ ideas, understand their strategies, and see how they approach challenges. I know how nerve-racking it can feel to present to a panel, so I hope to be an encouraging and supportive judge while still recognising excellence and innovation. Presenting the Future Fundraiser award will be especially meaningful to me, as it represents passion, resilience and dedication qualities I admire greatly.
The Youth Enterprise Project helped build my confidence, leadership skills and passion for socially responsible business. Being invited back as a judge is both an honour and a privilege, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to celebrate and support the next generation of young entrepreneurs.”
