Yorba Linda Business Academy launches new Mustang Market with goal of educating students on business leadership

On March 11, Yorba Linda High’s (YLHS) Mustang Business Academy (MBA) hosted a soft opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for their newly established Mustang Market. The Mustang Market is a student store on wheels designed to sell customized YLHS merchandise and supplies to the school community, as well as educate students on the intricacies of owning and operating a functional business.

That day, distinguished guests such as Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School District (PYLUSD) Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources, Rick Lopez, Director of K-12 Innovation and Technology, Cary Johnson, Principal, Dave Flynn, and various community partners all gathered in the library to help celebrate the opening of the new student store.

To kick off the festivities, students introduced Principal Flynn to welcome the crowd. He provided a brief overview of the program, including how it offers the ability to equip Mustangs with the tools necessary to become business owners and leaders.

Various student leaders in the program then went on to thank the many supporters and mentors that helped with making the store a reality. This included Superintendent Dr. Greg Plutko and his Cabinet, the school’s Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), and the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce to name a few.

“The Mustang Business Academy students will continue to grow the student-store and make sure our successes will benefit not only the school, but also the community,” student Sarah Chen shared. “It is such an honor to represent an amazing school and an amazing academy.”

The Academy’s coordinator, Ms. Samiya Hai, also spoke to the steadfast determination of her students and their ability to see the Mustang Market through from concept to a finished product.

“They have overcome a lot to get here and this was done through their hard work, collaboration, creative thinking and many of the other skills they all have learned in class along with their intrinsic skills and motivations,” mentioned Hai. “It is through our belief in their abilities that they are here today and will continue to use this to motivate them in their future endeavors.”

Those in attendance then moved in front of the Market to participate in a ceremonial ribbon cutting performed by Principal Flynn and Ms. Hai, as well as distinguished guests and Academy students.

In closing, Ms. Hai and the MBA students officially opened up the Mustang Market for business and began selling their specialized goods such as YLHS t-shirts, back packs, school supplies, key chains, and much more.

“I truly appreciate all the hard work my peers and school has dedicated to make this all possible and open the Mustang market. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it were for all of you here today,” student Amanda Walion said in closing.