City Times Staff

Stevens Point School Board Member Jeff Ebel talks with students at Ben Franklin Jr. High on Tuesday, helping kick off the group’s semester-long business project.

The students belong to Art Greco’s World of Business class, an elective class offering students a glimpse into running a business — as well as the communication and other soft skills required of success in the business world.

Each semester, a new batch of faces in Greco’s class undertake the creation of either a real-world business, or a nonprofit entity, and attempt to generate revenue. Last year, Greco’s class created a nonprofit organization and raised $7,000 for the Portage Co. K-9 Unit — seven times their original goal.

Ebel is a Pacelli graduate who was first elected to the school board in 2013. His family owns Ebel Woodworking, and he has also volunteered for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, JusticeWorks, Junior Achievement, and several other youth and business-oriented organizations.

“There’s only one person who can really motivate you — you’re the only one who’s going to motivate you to get off that couch, turn off the TV and go do something constructive,” Ebel told the students.