Nikki Flinn and Jason Curtis

Flinn’s and Curtis’ innovative teaching idea, “Paw Print,” is focused on teaching students the responsibility of managing and operating their own small business. The students will work together to run a screen-printing business called Paw Print, which will make items such as shirts, pants, sweatshirts, hats and other apparel. Students will learn customer service and sales skills, how to calculate product demand, and understand the importance of timely project completion. The money generated from this small business will be given back to the school and local community, and a portion of the revenue will be used to offer a scholarship for students who complete the program. Flinn and Curtis hope the business will teach students the value of a strong work ethic, dependability and giving through volunteerism — all of which are lifelong skills.