Otago Boys' High School pupils participating in this year's Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme include an entire class for the first time, 23 year 13 pupils becoming involved in four start-up companies.
The four budding start-up chief executives unveiled a new boardroom table last week, which was made at the school, to be used by all participants during the competition.
OBHS teacher in charge of economics and business studies Gwyn Pratley said it was the first time an entire class had entered the annual competition.
"They not only have to establish a board but also have board members elected,'' he said.
OBHS old boy and past president of the Institute of Directors Stuart McLauchlan gave the class a brief lecture on company governance and oversight, and the responsibilities expected of directors.
Isaiah McLellan (17) is chief executive of Online Parental Permission Slips (OPPS), which aims to replace the current "paper trail'' of permission slips for parents and teachers with a website, accessible by lap-top, PC or cellphone app.
Sam Dippie (17) is chief executive of Easy Eating, which is targeting households with an idea for delivering affordable and nutritional meals, including ingredients and recipes for a week, which cost $5-$6 a day per person.
Will McAllister (18) is chief executive of Code Cases, which designs and manufactures protective cellphone cases which can be emblazoned with sport or business logos.
Luke Holden (17) is chief executive of Old Boys' Merchandise (OBM), which is making coffee cups with either crests or logos, for schools, sports organisations and businesses.
Future profits of the four companies will go towards nominated charities and a small percentage will go towards sponsoring the Lion Foundation. The companies will be wound up by the end of the year.
The competition is yet to go through regional rounds and later competitions for national winners, from 600 companies, with the finalists competing about September-October.
