Clark County 4-H hosted the American Private Enterprise System (APES) at the Clark County Cooperative Extension Service March 5-6 for 17 George Rogers Clark High School juniors. 

A start-up $500 scholarship from the University of Kentucky and a $200 Winchester-Clark County Chamber of Commerce donation made this program possible, along with many partnerships throughout the community.

Youth learned the America is organized to do business. Participants reviewed the basics of the economy, learning how it works and what it provides.

They also learned the role of government in the economy, the importance of cooperatives, reviewed sole proprietorships and partnerships, and were introduced to the topics of investor-owned corporations, how to do business, and e-commerce. 

Presenters were Brian Thomas, Todd Denham, Nick Comer, Scott Hisle, Debbie Hohman, Mollye Raney, Janna Smith, Destiny Spencer (Loma’s dining hall manager), and Jen Algire, CEO of the Greater Clark Foundation. 

Students also took part in a driving industry tour, were treated to a meal and tour at Loma’s and the Opera House, and concluded with a downtown Winchester stroll.

“I enjoyed recognizing presenters and better understanding the role they play in my town,” one participant said.

Many of the youth found that their favorite part of the program was “touring local businesses and learning from those with experience.”

Following each of the presentations, youth were given a “pay day quiz.”  Two high-scoring participants will be selected and invited to attend the state APES Seminar in Lexington in June, where they will participate and compete for college scholarships.