Debbie Comstock

In Comstock's "Student Business Leaders Make a Difference" project, 25 North Salem High School students oversee an in-school branch of the Marion and Polk Schools credit union. Through this program, students learn how to operate a business and execute service-learning projects with the community. Each participant is involved in such activities as credit union branch promotion and business presentations. These students also partner with local elementary school students to encourage them to develop their reading and math skills for lifelong use. In addition, the North Salem High School participants work with Houck Middle School students to provide financial literacy lessons. The high school group, in particular, will be prepared to increase skills such as problem solving, communication and personal management, while embracing new technologies. Ultimately, the community should benefit from students that are adequately trained to enter the workforce. Comstock is a resident of Salem.