South Lakes HS Entrepreneurship Students Use Blanket Fundraiser To Connect With Community

Fairfax County Public Schools

December 14, 2020

During these uncertain times, students and teachers have been overwhelmed with virtual schooling, continuing to learn all while trying to maintain a relatively safe and healthy lifestyle mentally and physically. Often, it’s the human connection between the students and staff that is most missed in an all virtual environment. At South Lakes High, the entrepreneurship club is attempting to maintain these connections virtually. After their success in winning the regional competition and being nominated for the Social Impact and Innovation awards at the National Junior Achievement competition with their biodegradable bracelet company “Podseedtivity,” the club has pivoted to a virtual model this year. This year’s company, Baba Blankets, is partners with local nonprofits (including the South Lakes food banks and Northern Virginia Family Services) to raise money by selling comfy blankets online to help maintain their connection to their loved ones. When asked about why the students selected a blanket, Sydney Revels—the CEO of the student run company—replied that it was a simple way to send a virtual hug to a friend or family member when physical contact was limited. Students also believed that the club allowed them to maintain and build connections with their peers by providing a common goal towards helping people in the community. The company’s primary focus this year is to maximize sales and to raise as much money in the process for local charities. Contact Aanand Vasudevan at avasudevan@fcps.edu.

This press release was produced by the Fairfax County Public Schools.The views expressed here are the author’s own.