Two iLEAD Academy students have achieved yet another first for their school.
Melesa Herzet and Jose Gomez-Castillo were both accepted to the Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs (GSE). The summer program, held at Northern Kentucky University, is free to attend. They will work with other high school students to develop a business model, design a prototype, and pitch their business to a large audience and panel of judges.
These concepts aren’t new to Melesa and Jose, thanks to their experiences at iLEAD. Both are members of iMAKE, an entrepreneur club that focuses on creating items and selling them to raise money for the school.
Melesa is studying 3D technology and graphic design while Jose is studying 3D technology and welding. Both are Carroll County High School students who attend iLEAD Academy.
“I want to start my own welding business,” Jose said. He is an artist and a welder combined. He created a beautiful chicken by welding together spoons. He also creates art with wood and is an accomplished painter.
Melesa is a whiz with the 3D technology and the laser engraver. Her works have been displayed at numerous career fairs and she designed the awards given at the recent Future 42 Mentors banquet. She has also been the 3D printing spokesperson this year, according to iLEAD Administrator Jenna Gray.
Carroll County Schools Superintendent Casey Jaynes offered his congratulations to Melesa and Jose on achieving entrance into this highly competitive program. “They are examples of student who are striving to meet our district goal to be a top 10% school district in Kentucky,” he said.
“Everything we’ve done at iLEAD has helped us,” Melesa said. She noted her older cousin inspired her to become an entrepreneur after she opened her own business.
Both say they are excited about the GSE experience and both say learning the marketing aspect of entrepreneurship will be their greatest challenge. “We're both more artistic,” Melesa said.
The two were recognized at a surprise announcement last week with their fellow iLEAD students.
“I thought they were going to give prizes to other people,” Jose said. “I was confused because I wasn’t really paying attention.”
Melesa said she was “shocked” to be chosen. “I thought I would have to wait until next year. I was overwhelmed,” she said with a big smile. She will attend June 11-July 1. Jose has yet to decide which session he will attend.
Candy Osborne is the faculty advisor for iMAKE and is so impressed with both of her students. “Jose’s artistic ability to make something from nothing is unbelievable and Melesa’s leadership and teaching of other students is bar none the best I’ve ever seen.”
Osborne said Jose and Melesa are a team and together were the “artistic backbone” for iMAKE.
