Business Academy Spotlight

Written by: Pranav Vaddepalli (‘26) & Dhanush Suresh (‘28)

The Business Academy is a program designed for students who want to explore the world of business and gain real experience that prepares them for college and future careers. It teaches essential skills such as leadership, communication, financial literacy, teamwork, critical thinking, and professional decision making. These are skills that employers look for, and students in the Business Academy begin building them early. Instead of only learning from textbooks, students take part in hands-on projects and activities that reflect real workplace situations. They create business plans, analyze case studies, practice public speaking, and solve real problems using strategy and planning. This helps students understand how businesses operate in the real world and how professionals make decisions every day.

The Business Academy often offers opportunities beyond the classroom. Students may participate in professional organizations like DECA, where they compete in business-related events and develop leadership skills. They attend conferences, hear from guest speakers, and connect with business professionals who share career advice and personal experiences. Some programs even offer internships or job shadowing, giving students a chance to explore real careers and build their resumes before graduating high school. These experiences help students build confidence, discover their strengths, and begin shaping their career goals.

One of the biggest advantages of joining the Business Academy is the wide variety of career paths it introduces. Business is a very broad field, and almost every industry in the world depends on it. Students who complete the program can explore careers in accounting, finance, entrepreneurship, marketing, human resources, economics, business law, real estate, international business, project management, management consulting, hospitality management, supply chain management, banking, e-commerce, corporate leadership, sports management, sales, and business analytics. These careers are found in companies of all sizes from small local businesses to major international corporations. Some students may even decide to start their own company and become entrepreneurs, using the knowledge they gained in the program.

Another benefit of the Business Academy is that it teaches real life skills that students can use right away. They learn how to manage money, write professional emails, build a resume, network with adults, and present ideas clearly. These skills are helpful both in school and in everyday life. Students also gain experience working in teams, meeting deadlines, and thinking through challenges. These are the habits and abilities that lead to success in college and beyond. The Business Academy helps students understand the importance of responsibility, professionalism, and goal setting. It encourages students to think about their future early and gives them the tools to turn their plans into reality.

Mr. Tees posing with the infamous DECA Diamond!

To understand the importance of the Business Academy and its impact on the school and its students, let’s hear a few words from Mr. John Tees, the advisor of the business academy: “The sophomores of the Lawrence High School Business Academy will dedicate this academic year to developing their business competencies while identifying their preferred business interests. The program will provide students with practical experience through projects and presentations. The main objective for this year involves developing teamwork abilities and leadership skills participating in specific events and activities. The program will introduce students to resume development and interview preparation and communication skill enhancement as they progress toward their future goals. The main objective of this year focuses on building students' self-assurance through both personal growth and practical application of learned concepts in actual business environments. The sophomore year will equip students with advanced skills to handle junior-year responsibilities while deepening their business knowledge.”

Overall the Business Academy creates a strong foundation for students who want to succeed in the business world. It provides knowledge, experience, and opportunities that help students stand out in college applications and job interviews. More importantly, it inspires students to be creative, ambitious, and confident in their abilities. Whether a student wants to enter the workforce, study business in college, or someday run their own company, the Business Academy is a powerful first step toward a successful future.