OHS Students Receive Awards, Experience in Annual Competition
The legacy of Irv Harlamert is living on in Oakwood High School students and their investigation into their futures. For the 13th year, the Harlamert Charitable Foundation Entrepreneurship Competition, sponsored by the Oakwood Schools Foundation, provided OHS students the opportunity to shadow an entrepreneur and share their experience.
This year, 20 students participated in the competition. Winning essays were separated into three categories: creator, innovator and inspired. Judges awarded four students perfect scores this year.
Participants were recognized at an awards breakfast Thursday, March 24. The event began with a moment of silence for Harlamert who passed away Sept. 29, 2021 at the age of 91. OSF Chair Linda Woods and OSF Grants Co-Chair Ashley Coyne, along with OHS business teacher Natalie Johnston presented winning students with their certificates and financial awards. In addition to students and families, Irv Harlamert’s son, Bruce Harlamert, OHS Principal Dr. Paul Waller and Oakwood Schools Superintendent Dr. Kyle Ramey attended the breakfast to show their support of the students and the program.
For more information on the Oakwood Schools Foundation, visit their website at oakwoodschoolsfoundation.org.
Creators ($150 each)
Maeve Lynch
Martin Ashley
Lily Meehan
Innovators ($175)
Sarah Harris
Cecilia Dalrymple
Claudia Butler
Collin Weckstein
Luke Ruetschle
Anna Dalrymple
Deirdre Lynch
Gavin Parker
Sarah Connell
Kate Ruetschle
Riley Cahill
Caroline Woessner
William Mhaskar
Inspirer ($200)
Sylvia Vanderburgh
Emerson Davis
Tess Patton
Caterina Tian-Svobdny
About the Competition
This annual competition administered by The Oakwood Schools Foundation thanks to the generosity of Irvin Harlamert, JD (OHS class of 1948), emphasizes the importance of the entrepreneurial spirit on the success of our society and encourages students to explore and understand the experience of entrepreneurs.
The competition was first held in 2010 and is open to all students at Oakwood High School. Prize money will be awarded.
WHAT IS AN ENTREPRENEUR?
The stereotypical profile of an entrepreneur—a male businessman who started his own company and has become extraordinarily wealthy—no longer applies. Entrepreneurs are male and female, young and old, involved in both vocations and avocations. Success is no longer defined largely by an accumulation of wealth, but can be measured in many other ways.
Loosely translated, the French word “entrepreneur” could mean “entering into an undertaking to accomplish something.” A far broader definition generally includes anyone who undertakes to create something. So, an entrepreneur could be the lady from Dayton who teaches piano lessons in her home, or a person seeking public office through election by the people, or even a person of the clergy. It could include the art major who became a portrait painter or opened an art shop, or an actor or a musician. It could include lawyers, doctors, dentists, and other professionals. It could, of course, include persons who enter into an enterprise whether or not they meet with financial success.
COMPETITION ASSIGNMENT: SHADOW AN ENTREPRENEUR
Spend at least half a day shadowing an entrepreneur and submit a written report about your experience. Be creative; tap into original ideas and highlight your personal experiences and reflections.