FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Karen Callahan, Program Coordinator, ActionCOACH Foundation
PHONE/EMAIL: 702.947.9445 / karencallahan@actioncoach.com
First Local YESS Business Basics Graduation Held by
YNZ Montessori High School in Aruba Makes History
LAS VEGAS--February 25, 2022--The YNZ Montessori High School in Aruba made history on Friday, February 25, when 13 of its class of 28 were recognized for their successful completion of the 12-week YESS Business Basics course offered by ActionCOACH Foundation. While the Foundation has recognized two international graduating classes prior to this, this graduation held in Aruba will be the first anywhere in the world offered in-person by a local cohort for YESS graduates. Dave Martinus, an ActionCOACH in Aruba, first approached the lead teacher and head of the school, Irayka Yanez, MSc, in July of 2021. Two months later, the local cohort was launched with Dave Martinus as the facilitator.
The thirteen graduates, aged 12 to 17, were announced. They are: Amanda Britten, Elly Celaire, Jaicelyn Cuba de, Azia Ferrara, Eva Justina, Christopher Leysner, Anky Paesch, Jordan Peterson, Daniel Rojas Ortega, Manuela Sosa, Owen Toppenberg, Kellsea Tsu and Jay Wernet.
Three students were presented with special awards in four categories...Kellsea Tsu received two awards, one for Most Committed and one for Best Vision Board. Best Business Plan went to Santiago Sosa for his business, Sports AW, and Best Video Pitch was presented to Elly Celaire for her passionate pitch of her business, cosplay.
Martinus and Yanez, with additional support from local business leaders, really stepped up to create an educational and inspirational day for all of the students. The day began with a tour of the Aruba Aloe Factory and life lessons in values, manufacturing processes and a growth mindset. Aruba Aloe Factory, which is 125 years old and one of the most important businesses in the community, recently became the first company in the Caribbean Dutch Kingdom to receive a Royal recognition for its cultural value. After touring Aruba Aloe Factory, the students boarded a bus and were transported to the Aruba Chamber of Commerce. There Mrs. Sue-Ellen de Freitas explained how the Chamber supports local business owners on the island. Next, VADAVAS, a small, multi-country social entrepreneurship business inspired the youth with their story. VADAVAS sells art and jewelry made primarily by single moms at home. The graduation ceremony and presentation of awards followed.
The YNZ Montessori High School, ActionCOACH-Aruba and the ActionCOACH Foundation would like to thank the local sponsors for their contributions to this special day: Aruba Chamber of Commerce (graduation venue), Aruba Aloe (factory tour), VADAVAS (sustainable entrepreneurship presentation), AGW Tours (bus trip), B’unique Creations & Events (ceremony decorations), Rocka Beach Tours (transportation back to school) and Mary’s Cakes (snacks and branded cupcakes).
Click here for photos of the graduates, award winners and activities throughout the day.
YESS Business Basics is a twelve-week, virtual course that serves as an introduction into ActionCOACH Foundation's YESS Young Entrepreneur Smart Start program. It is designed to instill the business principles of ActionCOACH Founder, Brad Sugars, into 12- to 22-year-olds, who receive the education for free. Each student must complete twelve weeks of videos, Action Assignments and weekly exams. In addition, they each submit vision boards, business plans and video business pitches.
YESS Business Basics has enrolled over 735 students all over the world in just over one year since its launch in February of 2021. To date, 122 students have graduated from the program. The program is free to qualified youth.
If you would like to learn how to create a local YESS cohort in your community or you have a student near and dear to your heart who would like to apply independently, visit https://actioncoachfoundation.org/yess-program/
About ActionCOACH Foundation
ActionCOACH Foundation was founded in 2018 and is operated out of ActionCOACH Global Headquarters in Las Vegas. This Spring, the Foundation re-launched ActionCOACH's ‘Coaching for a Cause’ program under the umbrella of the Foundation and launched its new YESS Young Entrepreneur Smart Start program to provide free business education to young adults ages 12-22 in February of 2021. For more information on any Foundation activities, visit www.actioncoachfoundation.org or contact the Foundation Coordinator, Karen Callahan, at 702-947-9445 or karencallahan@actioncoach.com
About ActionCOACH®
ActionCOACH, the world’s largest business coaching franchise, was established and founded in Brisbane, Australia by Brad Sugars in 1993 when the concept of business coaching was still in its infancy. Since franchising the company in 1997, ActionCOACH has helped business coaching become more mainstream and the company has nearly 1,000 coaches in more than 70 countries working with approximately 18,000 businesses weekly to improve results. ActionCOACH specializes in coaching small to medium-sized businesses as well as executives, and their teams. ActionCOACH maintains its growth and strategic alliances by continual development of cutting-edge innovative technology, proven business processes, and systems to add value, satisfaction and additional income streams for its franchisees. ActionCOACH’s global headquarters is in Las Vegas. Visit ActionCOACH.com for more information.
