Investing in Community and Excelling in Business with Eastern High's Mishti Patel
Business acumen and social responsibility aren't mutually exclusive; Eastern High School's Mishti Patel embodies that truth. She's leveraging her skills to create positive change in her community while excelling in the Business Academy. From leading the National Honor Society to spearheading initiatives that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities, Mishti has proven that business skills can be a powerful force for good.
Her work in Eastern's Business Academy, where she tackled projects ranging from vegan cookie startups to corporate financial analysis, showcases her ability to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges. As she prepares to graduate, Mishti leaves behind a legacy that challenges her peers to see business not just as a path to personal success but as a tool for community transformation.
A Transformation Through Engagement
Entering high school as a reserved student, Mishti initially struggled to find her place. "Eastern was a personality switch for me," she reflects. "After COVID, I forced myself to make friends and socialize. Now I love meeting people." This transformation happened in Eastern’s Business Academy.
Drawn to its comprehensive curriculum and the opportunity to explore multiple facets of business, Mishti found not only a pathway for her academic goals but also a community where she could thrive. Its collaborative environment and challenging projects encouraged her to step out of her comfort zone, paving the way for her rise to numerous leadership roles and impressive academic achievements.
Mrs. Danielle Wells, Business teacher at Eastern, has seen this transformation. She says, “When I first met Mishti in my Finance class, I realized that she was a student that every teacher dreams of having in class - hardworking, focused, and studious. Despite all of these wonderful traits, I observed a student who was very quiet and only interacted with her classmates when necessary. Over time, though, I was blessed to watch Mishti flourish not only into an enthusiastic, inquisitive, analytical student, but also into an ambitious natural born leader who loved to help her classmates understand the content of the class. At the end of our classroom journey last semester, it was evident that her passion for learning and helping others was an inspiration for all of us.”
“I feel privileged to be in the Business Academy. It’s so immersive that I feel like I am constantly growing and learning”
Mastering Business Acumen
Mishti's work in the Business Academy demonstrates a level of sophistication rarely seen in high school students. In her management class, she developed a comprehensive business plan for "Mega Cookies," a health-inclusive, vegan cookie delivery service targeting Gen Z consumers. This project required her to consider various aspects of business operations, including location analysis, financing, and product development, providing her with a deep understanding of what it takes to launch a successful business venture.
Another standout project involved a detailed financial analysis of Amazon, where Mishti examined the company's performance over several years. "We discovered major ups and downs, even for such a wealthy corporation," she notes, showcasing her ability to interpret complex financial data and identify trends. Through these projects, Mishti has not only mastered key business concepts but also developed the critical thinking skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges with confidence.
The 2024 Eastern Holiday Care-A-Van
Investing in Community: The Heart of Mishti's Business Acumen
Throughout her high school journey, Mishti has not only grown as a business leader but has sought to invest in her community. As a senior, Mishti serves as President of the National Honor Society, Sergeant of Arms for the senior class, and Vice President of the South Asian Student Association. “I love serving the school that I love,” she reflects.
This commitment to service is perhaps most evident in Mishti's leadership role organizing Eastern's annual Care-A-Van initiative through the National Honor Society. As President, she spearheaded efforts that raised over $35,000 in 2024, surpassing their goal by an impressive $10,000. The initiative also collected over 7,000 cans and donated more than 2,000 pounds of food to Dare-to-Care, making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. The Care–A-Van culminates in the delivery of these food baskets to families, senior housing, and community centers in the Louisville area.
Accolades and Accomplishments
Mishti's dedication to both business excellence and community service has earned her numerous accolades. In the summer of 2024, Mishti participated in the prestigious Governor's Scholars Program (GSP) at Centre College, an intensive five-week residential program for Kentucky's brightest rising high school seniors. Mishti made a 24-hour departure from GSP to participate in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) national competition, building on her previous success where she placed second in regionals and fourth at state for personal finance. Her leadership skills were further recognized at the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA), where she helped Eastern secure both the Best New Delegation and Premier Delegation awards.
Eastern High School's award-winning High School of Business (HSB) program has been a cornerstone of Mishti's academic success. This nationally recognized model curriculum offers an accelerated series of six courses challenging students with hands-on marketing, management, finance, and economics projects. In this rigorous program, Mishti has consistently ranked at the top of her class, gaining a comprehensive understanding of business operations and entrepreneurship. Her achievements in HSB are evidenced by her Level 5 certifications in Principles of Finance and Principles of Marketing, as well as her IT Specialist certification in HTML and CSS. These accomplishments reflect the program's emphasis on college-level business administration courses and industry-validated curriculum standards. Mishti credits her teachers for her accomplishments, noting that Mrs. Wells has been instrumental in pushing her "to be a better version of myself."
Onward and Upward
As Mishti prepares to graduate from Eastern High School, her journey exemplifies how business acumen and social responsibility can intertwine to create a powerful force for positive change. Her experience in the Business Academy has not only equipped her with valuable skills but has also instilled a deep commitment to community service and a desire to see the world. "I feel privileged to be in the Business Academy. It’s so immersive that I feel like I am constantly growing and learning,” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Mishti is poised to make her mark in the world of corporate finance or product management, potentially even on an international stage, fueled by her passion for travel. Her foundation in business principles, coupled with her commitment to social good, positions her uniquely in today's competitive landscape. Companies are increasingly prioritizing corporate social responsibility, recognizing that businesses have a responsibility to contribute positively to society. Mishti's ability to balance profit with purpose, to see business as a tool for community transformation, will be a highly valuable asset in this evolving business landscape.
As she steps into the next chapter of her life, Mishti Patel carries with her not only a wealth of knowledge and experience but also a vision for a more responsible and interconnected world. She is set to become a leader who understands the power of business to drive positive change, both locally and globally.