Students named 2008 Merrill Lynch Young Entrepreneurs
Contributed by Merrill Lynch

Patrick Hutchinson, a tenth grader at Hammond School, and Amelia Baxley, an eleventh grader at A.C. Flora High School, are two of the five 2008 Merrill Lynch Young Entrepreneur Award winners.

The award is a way to recognize outstanding students for their accomplishments in entrepreneurship. Hutchinson and Baxley will be interviewed on the ETV Stock Market Program, which is broadcast on closed circuit to schools statewide. Each winner will receive a $200 cash prize at the SCCEE's annual awards luncheon May 2, 2008.

Hutchinson saved birthday and holiday gifts of money to invest in a candy machine business. Currently, he operates four machines in the Columbia area and is responsible for his business finances, inventory, customer service, machine repair, and vendor relationships.

Baxley and her sister started Sassy Mel's, an online boutique that sells stylish totes, trendy earrings, and other accessories. Baxley markets her products through her Website and at festivals, the Junior League's Holiday Market, and home shows. Sassy Mel's is a licensed business, which means Baxley files taxes and makes bank deposits, in addition to looking for new vendors to keep her products up to date.

"The Merrill Lynch Young Entrepreneur Award recognizes young people who have met the challenge of starting their own businesses and are willing to share their knowledge and experience with other students," said Helen Meyers, SCCEE president.