Student Entrepreneurs Thrive at Zionsville Community High School
Introduction to High School Hustle
In today’s fast-paced world, the entrepreneurial spirit is more alive than ever—especially among young high school students. At Zionsville Community High School (ZCHS), this spirit has culminated in impressive achievements at the High School Hustle Awards. This competition empowers students to turn their ideas into income-generating businesses, backed by mentors and community leaders.
Spotlight on Winners
Among the top achievers at the High School Hustle Awards held at Gainbridge Field House, ZCHS students Cruz Weidner, Evan Walker, and Seth Copner shone brightly. Each was awarded $10,000 to further their entrepreneurial dreams. Cruz Weidner took home the coveted first place with his business, Weidner Lawnscape, generating a remarkable $51,098 in revenue. Moreover, he was honored with the Kingdom Builder Award—a testament to his leadership and commitment to bettering his community.
ZCHS student breakdown:
- Cruz Weidner: 1st Place – $51,098
- Seth Copner: 4th Place – $33,356
- Evan Walker: 9th Place – $21,960
Additionally, classmate Sulise Holbrook was recognized with $3,000 for her hustle, S&M Outdoor Solutions.
The High School Hustle Approach
High School Hustle isn’t just a competition; it’s a comprehensive program designed to guide students through the entrepreneurial journey. The initiative engages students as early as January, providing them with the necessary mentorship to refine their ideas. The primary focus is not just on the end result but on the learning that occurs through trial and error.
Alex Dicke, a mentor at High School Hustle, describes the program’s intention perfectly: “It’s who can generate the most revenue in the summer months because they don’t want to distract from school.” This summer-only focus allows students to gain real-world experience without compromising their academic responsibilities.
Innovative Business Concepts
Each student comes up with unique ideas for their businesses. Evan Walker’s venture, Clear Vision Curves, offers reflective house numbers for improved address visibility. Inspired by social media trends in Texas, Walker pitched his business model to neighborhood homeowner associations (HOAs) and recorded impressive revenue shortly after launching.
Seth Copner, on the other hand, embraced a diverse approach by exploring multiple hustles. His business model, which included premium mulching and construction side jobs, stemmed from his family’s background in construction. This multifaceted strategy allowed him to adapt quickly to market demands and maximize his earnings potential.
Community Support and Networking
Word of mouth has played a crucial role in the success of these young entrepreneurs. Many students used their social networks, social media platforms, and even crafted websites to reach potential customers. The initiative encourages creativity and savvy marketing techniques, which are indispensable in today’s competitive business landscape.
One of the participating students, Addison Smith, launched Addi-Laurel Photography in 2023. Her business primarily focuses on weddings and family portraits. “I definitely want to be a photographer. I’m just using this time to let my portfolio establish itself,” she said, demonstrating the program’s focus on building valuable skills.
Mentorship and Professional Development
What sets High School Hustle apart is not just the financial investment in these students; it’s the mentorship that enriches their personal and professional growth. From understanding contracts to leveraging artificial intelligence for business efficiency, students gain invaluable insights that prepare them for future endeavors.
The students echo a common motivation rooted in ambition—not merely to make money, but to establish solid foundations for future business ventures. Evan Walker reflected on his experience, stating, “I definitely want to be a business owner… this is really good practice for me.”
Participation Scale and Impact
This year, 49 ZCHS students participated in High School Hustle, generating an astonishing collective revenue of over $185,000, making ZCHS the highest individual school contributor to the competition. The program saw more than 2,100 students from various schools statewide generating a total of over $900,000 during the summer.
About High School Hustle
Founded by entrepreneurs Scott Lingle and Peter Servaas in 2022, High School Hustle has rapidly evolved, now encompassing nearly 2,100 participants across different schools including Zionsville, Carmel, Fishers, Avon, and Indianapolis. Operating under core principles such as “Faith is Greater than Fear,” and “Fail, Learn, Grow, Repeat,” the program emphasizes the importance of relationships, action, and personal growth.
The organization’s ultimate goal? To establish a million high school hustles by 2034, ensuring that the spirit of entrepreneurship becomes woven into the fabric of youth culture.
Get Involved
If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about High School Hustle, visit highschoolhustle.org. Whether you’re a student looking to get involved or a mentor willing to guide aspiring entrepreneurs, there’s a place for everyone in this exciting initiative.
