Wisconsin Business World announced the three winners of its essay contest

MADISON – Wisconsin Business World, an affiliate of WMC Foundation, announced the three winners of its essay contest on Monday. The program, sponsored by ITU AbsorbTech, encourages high school students to research and write about a Wisconsin company.

Wisconsin Business World’s contests center around the theme, “Business is a Force for Good.” For the essay contest, students were prompted to describe a Wisconsin-based company, their product or service, and why they are a ‘Force for Good.’ Students described how the company of their choice supports their employees, families, and communities.

“Wisconsin companies do more than just provide a service or a product,” said Senior Director of Wisconsin Business World Michelle Grajkowski. “Businesses have the ability to impact their communities through career opportunity, philanthropy, and even economic influence. We want students to see the power of entrepreneurship and the free market.”

Layna Wry – 9th grade – McDonell Area Catholic School

Justin Hong– 11th grade – Brookfield East High School

Nicholas Ivanov– 11th grade – Nicolet High School

Winning students featured Olsen’s Ice Cream in Chippewa Falls, Sendik’s Food Markets in Milwaukee, and Snap-On in Kenosha. Many other impactful businesses, large and small, from across the state were featured by other contest applicants.

“Wisconsin businesses are the backbone of our state,” said ITU AbsorbTech President & CEO Jim Leef. “This essay contest pushes students to see the full scope of impact – from serving as great places of employment and providing great products and services to acting as community cornerstones and supporting great social causes. Layna, Justin and Nicholas researched and wrote about some great hometown companies, demonstrating their ability to see far beyond a finished product. Congratulations!”

Each of the winning essay writers was awarded $500. Wisconsin Business World will host a similar essay contest next spring.

Wisconsin Business World – a program of WMC Foundation – educates students on business, entrepreneurism and the free market through its statewide competitions, Summer Camps, one-day programs, online curriculum and classroom presentations. The Business World message is simple — Business is a Force for Good. For more information about Wisconsin Business World and its programs, visit https://www.wmcfoundation.org/wisconsin-business-world/.