MHS's Sarah Mirman Wins Young Entrepreneur Award

The National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation recently announced the Minnesota recipients of the 10th annual NFIB Young Entrepreneur Awards, a scholarship program designed to reward and encourage entrepreneurial talents among high school students. 

Minnetonka Senior High School senior Sarah Mirman, of Minnetonka, was one of five students honored.

The NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award recipients will attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 to $10,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation.

The program was established to raise awareness among the nation's youth about the critical role that private enterprise and entrepreneurship play in the building of America.

Since 2003, the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation has awarded 2,300 scholarships to graduating high school seniors totaling more than $2.5 million. More than 500 students nationwide applied for a YEF scholarship this year and 131 scholarships were awarded.

In May, NFIB YEF will honor the four students selected as $5,000 scholarships winners and name the “2012 Young Entrepreneur of the Year” who will be awarded a $10,000 scholarship. 

To qualify for a YEF Award, students must be running their own business. They were required to write an essay describing their entrepreneurial endeavors and future goals. Standardized test scores, GPA, and class rank were also considered in the selection process. NFIB members around the country nominated applicants for the Young Entrepreneur Awards. An independent, outside committee selects a group of qualified semi-finalists.  

The 2012 YEF Award winners from Minnesota are: 

NFIB/Tim & Debbie Clayton Young Entrepreneurship Award ($1,000)

• Wayzata High senior Vegalia Jean-Pierre of Plymouth

 NFIB Young Entrepreneur Award ($1,000)

• Kittson Central Secondary senior Alex Hunt of Hallock
• Eastview Senior High senior Alexander Wohl of Apple Valley
• Kenyon-Wanamingo Senior High senior Mitchell Donkers of Fairbault
• Minnetonka Senior High senior Sarah Mirman of Minnetonka