Wantagh students get taste of business world

Getting students “college and career ready” has been a familiar term in the education field over the last few years. To prepare students for the next step after high school, they must be exposed to a wide-ranging and challenging curriculum, and given opportunities to succeed outside the classroom.

One club at Wantagh High School that certainly embodies the spirit of “college and career ready” is the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which gives students an introduction to the business world they might enter in someday.

The group partners with the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, an organization of local merchants and professionals. Junior chamber members appear at many of their parent organization’s functions, including ribbon-cutting ceremonies, networking meetings and community events.

“Students participate in social and community gatherings that are organized to encourage the economic development of Wantagh and promote community well being,” adviser Jamie Stanulis said. “The Junior Chamber of Commerce students are able to network with local business owners and their community leaders.”

A few weeks ago, Kenny Mintz, Mike DiRienzo and Brandon Blumstein attended a Chamber of Commerce dinner, where they were able to hear from two candidates running for Nassau County Legislature, and learn about the chamber’s planned events for 2015.

Mintz, a senior and president of the junior chamber, said not only does belonging to the organization look great on a college resumé, but it provides him with networking opportunities. “I’m seeking a future in business,” he said. “I think I could come to the chamber and find a place where I belong.”

Planning events for the group and presiding over club meetings has taught Mintz valuable leadership skills, he added.

Blumstein, a junior, wants to enter the business field in the future, and has his eye on sports management or international business. He wants to get a head start now by developing relationships with key people in his community.

Over his three years in the group, he has learned about the overall mission of the Wantagh Chamber, which is to improve the business climate for the benefit of both residents and business owners and their employees.

DiRienzo, a senior and secretary of the junior chamber, joined the group at Mintz’s recommendation. “I get a feel for what’s going on in my own town,” he said.

According to Stanulis, her members are very active in the community, an have shown an eagerness to get involved, going above and beyond what is expected of them. Recently, they participated in Wantagh’s holiday tree lighting and led a coat drive at the high school. In the coming weeks, they will attend the chamber’s installation dinner and the community Easter egg hunt.

Another new initiative, in coordination with Junior Achievement, is the planned implementation of High School Heroes, in which the junior chamber members will introduce elementary school students to the world of business.

Stanulis said she hopes the experience gives the junior chamber members a deeper sense of pride in their community. “All of them shop, eat and play here,” she said. “I like to see them make the connections with so many of the business owners and be able to put a face to a name of the people that make this town so great. I believe this sense of involvement and ownership lends itself to community prosperity. Secondly, I know they are gaining valuable business networking skills and insight into the business world.”

Chris Brown, president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, said he is glad to have the partnership with the community’s next generation of workforce. “It’s good that the youth interact with the adults,” he said. “It’s very good for them that they get involved. Now is the time. It helps them when they get older and into the work atmosphere.”