The third annual HHS Business Day took place at Hornell High School on Thursday, May 16. Representatives of the Hornell High School Business Advisory Board along with other members of the business community spent their day at the school hearing presentations from our business classes and networking with our senior business students who are preparing for college. 

This year’s business projects began with our marketing students originating ideas for three new Hornell businesses. From there, the students in our social media marketing, accounting, and personal finance classes were divided into teams and worked together virtually to prepare presentations for each of the businesses. Students from each class presented their part of the presentation to our board members in a “Shark Tank”-style presentation. The business representatives posed questions and provided feedback to each of the groups. 

Also presenting was the keyboarding and computer applications class who presented their ideas for a food truck business incorporating the various computer applications skills they have been learning throughout the school year. 

Following the presentations, the professionalism class was given the opportunity to meet with our business professionals and enjoy a networking business luncheon provided by First Heritage Bank. During this time, the students were able to talk about their future college and career plans and hear advice from our board members.

The final highlight of the day was the NYS Business and Marketing Honor Society Induction ceremony. The NYS Business and Marketing Honor Society recognizes those students who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in a secondary business/marketing program. To be eligible, students must complete three units in the business/marketing program by the end of the current school year if they are a senior or two units with plans to continue for a third if they are a junior. Within these business classes, students must have an average of 88% or higher, while they must also maintain a minimum of 80% overall G.P.A. In addition, students selected for recognition must demonstrate, both in the classroom and through extracurricular involvement, character, leadership, and service. 

Current members Evan Clair, Kellen Crowe, Kathy Le, and Davin Oyer shared the stage to induct our newest members. Dominic Matacale, of TF Matacale CPAs, served as this year’s guest speaker. The 2024 inductees were: Daniel Barnett, Quinn Mauro, Mia Nasca, Gabriella Passero, Xzaiver Patrick, Matthew Robinson, and Claire Rose.

The Hornell High School Business Department would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the members of our Business Department Advisory Board who continue to guide and support us in providing the best possible business education to our students. A special thanks to the following area business people who took the time out of their busy schedules to participate in the day’s events: Valorie Whitehill, Victoria Vega, Todd Buritt, Dominic Matacale, Adam Eason, Bob Peisher, Heather Forness, Pauline Burnes, Lynda Koehler, and Kim Barres.

In addition, we would like to thank our corporate sponsors for the day, Wegmans and First Heritage Federal Credit Union who so generously donated the food and beverages that helped to make this day a success!