Our final graduate spotlight from Mascoutah High School is John Robert Wall.
Throughout the year, John Robert recognized how much he grew personally and professionally through the relationships and experiences the program provided.
“This year, I grew in the areas of personal growth and overall business skills. I have learned so much strictly through experience, and I gained so much invaluable knowledge from business owners that I will take with me for the rest of my life. CEO isn’t a class you can just teach; it’s something you have to experience. I learned how to shake hands with people, how to gauge conversations, make connections, and form meaningful relationships. CEO has allowed me to see the power behind networking and how beneficial it can be to me and others.”
When asked if there was one speaker who especially impacted him, JR reflected:
“My answer will always be Jonathan Welzbacher, owner of June's Breakfast + Patio. He was so well spoken, and I can’t help but love the business he has created. Jon showed me that a community need can truly manifest into a passion and something beautiful like June’s.”
He also shared the impact his mentor, Becky Bertram, Savvy Technical Solutions, had on him throughout the year.
“My mentor, Becky Bertram, really impacted me. I couldn’t believe how much I related to her on a personal level, and she showed me that a future in business is possible for anybody with passion.”
As the year progressed, those experiences and insights helped John Robert reevaluate his future and pursue a path more closely connected to his passions.
“The most impactful CEO experience I had this year doesn’t boil down to a single moment, but it ultimately led me to change my college major. Over the course of the year, I repeatedly heard speakers and business owners talk about how important it is to be passionate about the work you do. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had an obsession with theme parks and roller coasters but never viewed it as a career. I was going to go into law; however, the CEO program opened my eyes to the realm of possibilities in the theme park industry. I am now going to the University of Central Florida, and I don’t believe I would be going there if it weren’t for the CEO Program.”
JR, watching you discover a future that genuinely excites you has been such a rewarding part of this year. Congratulations, and we cannot wait to see where your passion takes you next!
