Zachary El-Khatib
(L to R): John Sharpe, Sarah Ellis Walker, Jeremy Best, Zachary El-Khatib, and Lauryn McArthur
After an exciting competition, Zachary El-Khatib was selected as the 1st place winner of the SECCA Local FLEX Finals. The Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship Experience (FLEX) is an entrepreneurship program for high school students that engage them in the business world through experiences and mentorship. Zachary, and his business, Zach's Durty Dogs will advance to the state Georgia FLEX Competition in April. Three other students competed in the local competition with Zachary. Jeremy Best and his business, Best Drone Services, placed 2nd. Tied for 3rd place were Sarah Ellis Walker and her business, SEWn, and Lauryn McArthur, and her business, Creations by Lauryn LLC.
Students in FLEX create real business, provide real products and services, and make real money. Local business partners, along with community leaders and teachers help to make this program a success, investing in the program through teaching workshops and mentoring student entrepreneurs. Students compete in three rounds of competition until a local winner is selected. Local FLEX champs then move on to the state-wide competition. The SECCA FLEX Program is open to all students who attend Montgomery County High School, Toombs County High School, Treutlen High School, and Vidalia High School.
According to SECCA FLEX Coordinator Amy Gillies, " The goal of FLEX is to create prosperity and revitalize rural entrepreneurial ecosystems through the education of students on the rewards, sacrifices, and processes incurred in the establishment of small businesses. The workforce crisis continues to grow and is felt most acutely in rural areas. FLEX has proven to be the most effective tool to create the next generation of Georgia's entrepreneurs and business leaders. I am very proud of our students who competed in the program." John Sharpe, SECCA CEO stated, " Mrs. Gillies and all of the students did a phenomenal job participating in our first year of FLEX competition. We are excited for Zach to compete at the state level, and hopefully bring home a state title. Congratulations, students, on a job well done!"