Grad Coach, Jeff Shriver (left), poses for a picture with his KC-Ed student Michael Thacker (right) who leaves this weekend to compete in the National Young Entrepreneur’s Competition. (Photo provided)

By BRITTANY LYON
Director, Kosciusko County Educational Development

Michael Thacker, a senior at Tippecanoe Valley High School, is a student in the KC-Ed Grad Coach Program.

As part of a dual credit class with the Grace College Business Department, Thacker was given the opportunity to participate in the Young Entrepreneur’s Competition. Student’s created a business plan and were asked to present in front of a Shark Tank. Thacker based his proposal off his Invicitus Photography company that he began his senior year as well.

Thacker won the local competition and was awarded $400 to grow his business. He will leave for New York City on May 7 to compete in the National Competition.

KC-Ed’s mission is to promote high school graduation, one relationship at a time. Their K-12 programs serve four area school corporations: Tippecanoe Valley, Warsaw, Wawasee, and Whitko. KC-Ed is in its sixth year of operation and has served nearly 400 students during that time.

KC-Ed is a 501 C 3 public charity and is entirely funded by grants and individual or corporate donations. For more information about KC-Ed, visit www.TheKCED.com.