Youngsters bring their products to holiday bazaar

Lafayette — Over 40 students at Lafayette Township’s Elementary School will showcase their unique, creative and economical products and services at the second annual TREP$ Holiday Marketplace on Wednesday, Dec. 2, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the school’s All Purpose Room on Beaver Run Road. Fourth-through eighth-graders started their own businesses during six weeks of after-school instruction. Classes were taught by volunteer parent and teacher members of the Lafayette PTO. Students age 9 to 14 learned how to become entrepreneurs, designing products and services, organizing a business, figuring profit and loss, working with customers and promoting their products. The students gained practice and skills in math, creative thinking, writing, team building and organization. The all-volunteer PTO-sponsored educational workshops were based on the award winning, New Jersey based TREP$ Young Entrepreneur Program (www.trepsed.com). The program was started by two women from West Milford. With the tight economy and their desire to have their own businesses, TREP$ co-founder, Hayley Romano, said, “TREP$ takes that desire and turns it into a concrete learning experience from which the kids learn in so many ways.” Pamela deWaal, Romano’s partner agrees. “Entrepreneurship education through TREP$ is an empowering self-esteem builder that gives kids a greater sense over their lives and futures. With the support of the community, the students will learn the value of creativity, motivation and hard work.” Ready for market These 44 Lafayette students are excited to bring their wide variety of products and services to the public for the first time. The December Holiday Marketplace will feature their original art, photography, jewelry, candles, decorated gloves, personalized stationary, Christmas stockings and mini trees, ornaments, cookies, candy and more. Services include computer help, guidance and instruction, along with on-site spa services. “I’ve worked with these students for six weeks on their businesses and I can tell you the excitement of these budding entrepreneurs is inspiring. Their products are novel, interesting and priced right for the economy. The community will be impressed,” said Barbara Morgan, TREP$ volunteer instructor and teacher at Lafayette Elementary School. Refreshments will be available that evening at the TREP$ Café. Sales are cash-only.