Always on the lookout for new businesses, Monarch students turned a learning opportunity into a business opportunity. Ms. Wolf is a retired florist and grandmother to Ms. Wolf of The Monarch School. She is not only interested in flowers, but also interested in helping students find new avenues for their creativity and hard work. After spending a morning with the students of the Life Academy, she found that she could meet both objectives!

Students observed the work first in making a boutonnière, then completing a full corsage. They used roses and carnations to create a variety of designs. Finishing touches included background leaves and white flowers to complete the designs. Each student had opportunities to practice the various steps to complete their work. Some students found that they were more interested in design, and others in the production. One of the key elements of this activity-based program is to provide a variety of experiences that will open these new paths for becoming successful through a better understanding of individual strengths and weaknesses. When the students felt comfortable with the process, the next step was to produce a flier for the school that would market their ability to prepare flowers for the students’ upcoming prom.

Corsages and boutonnières were in high demand by the end of the Monarch school year. With the proms scheduled and the Rotary Club luncheon coming up, the student of the Life Academy saw a great opportunity to put their entrepreneurship skills in to high gear. As the orders came in, the business started to flourish. Students who purchased the flowers were not only happy, they were ecstatic. “Being able to buy the corsage for my date right here at school is Great! The price is even better!” Happy customers mean more sales and the school placed the next order for flowers to be made for each of the graduating seniors.

In the meantime, the Rotary Club of Houston, one of the Life Academy charter sponsors, found out about the new business and placed the largest order to date. They purchased corsages and boutonnières for all of the recipients, their parents, and teachers for the annual “Service Above Self” Educational Awards for fifth grade students in the Houston area. All of their hard work and efforts paid off when they successful produced over 50 boutonnières and corsages.