The Jasper County CEO Class of 2026 wrapped up its year-long entrepreneurial journey with a successful Trade Show held Wednesday evening at the JCCU #1 District Office in Newton.
Community members filled the venue from 5 to 7 p.m., moving from booth to booth to meet students, learn about their businesses, and see firsthand the ideas they’ve spent the year developing. Each student showcased an individual business, the result of months of planning, branding, budgeting, and real-world decision-making.
The CEO program is designed to give students a hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, and the Trade Show serves as the final presentation of everything they’ve learned. From product-based businesses to service-driven ideas, the variety on display reflected both creativity and a strong understanding of what it takes to build something from the ground up.
The Class of 2026 included:
Amy Shull, Ashtyn Ochs, Colten White, Ericka Sessions, Jarrett Pitcher, Madison Keller, Matthew Haskett, Owen Schackmann, and Owen Ulm.
Throughout the evening, students confidently shared their business stories—what inspired their ideas, the challenges they faced, and how they adapted along the way. Visitors had the opportunity to purchase products, place orders, and offer encouragement, making the event both a learning experience and a real marketplace.
The strong turnout once again highlighted the support Jasper County has for its students and the CEO program. With guidance from local mentors and business leaders, the program continues to prepare students with skills in leadership, communication, and entrepreneurship that will serve them well beyond high school.
As the evening came to a close, it was clear the Trade Show wasn’t just an event—it was a celebration of growth, risk-taking, and the next generation of local business leaders.
