Merritt Island High HEAT Academy Students Learn From Accomplished Entrepreneurs

By  //  September 20, 2015

entrepreneurs talk about real world business issues

Two Merritt Island High students from the HEAT Academy (Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Tourism) met with local business leaders at the September meeting of the Space Coast Tech Council.
Two Merritt Island High students from the HEAT Academy (Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Tourism) met with local business leaders at the September meeting of the Space Coast Tech Council. Academy seniors Gabi Deliz and Sandra Dietz listened to presentations by Jim Barfield of Luke &Associates and Elaine Larsen, above, the president of Larsen Motorsports. (elainelarsen.com image)

BREVARD COUNTY • COCOA, FLORIDA – Merritt Island High students from the HEAT Academy (Hospitality, Entrepreneurship and Tourism) met with local business leaders at the September meeting of the Space Coast Tech Council.

Academy seniors, Gabi Deliz and Sandra Dietz, listened to presentations by Jim Barfield of Luke & Associates and Elaine Larsen, president of Larsen Motorsports.

Barfield spoke to the group about the tasks of going operational in a start-up entrepreneurial business and Larsen discussed business expansion tactics. Both noted that focusing on goals is an important strategy.

Jim Barfield
Jim Barfield

Deliz hopes to study law at Florida State University and Dietz is focused on studying marketing at the University of Central Florida – Rosen College of Hospitality Management.

The HEAT Academy is a grades 10-12 Choice academy in Brevard Public Schools. Any student in Brevard County can attend Merritt Island High School as a part of this program.

Charles Parker
Charles Parker

“It was exciting to take students to this event to hear entrepreneurs talk about real world business issues,” said Charles Parker, director of the HEAT Academy.

“Barfield and Larsen both took time to speak with our students individually, which really enhanced their experience.”

The academy is affiliated with the National Academy Foundation and is sponsored by many local businesses – including Community Credit Union, the City of Cocoa Leisure Services, the Cocoa Beach Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, the Space Coast Office of Tourism and Ocean Partners hoteliers.

For more information, please contact Charles Parker at parker.charles@brevardschools.org

BPS-IN-MINUTE-580-2