Johnstone pupils come third in national enterprise finals

Enterprising pupils from Johnstone High School were runners up at the national final of Young Enterprise Scotland’s Company Programme.

Their Food for Thought enterprise team impressed the judges to win in three categories: Social Impact, Best Business Report and People’s Choice.

Pupils came up with social enterprise Food for Thought to focus on reducing food poverty in their local area and raising awareness about food waste and its global impact. They produced handmade reuseable wax food wraps to replace plastic. Thanks to their efforts, they were able to donate over £300 and 25 creates of food to the Renfrewshire Food Bank.

Johnstone High have successfully reached the national finals for the last three years. This year’s team were one of 14 groups of young people to reach the finals.

The YES Company Programme is designed to provide real-life learning opportunities for fifth and sixth year (S5 and S6) students.

Pupil Melissa Smith, managing director of Food for Thought, said: “This journey was full of challenges. We faced failures, setbacks and fallouts but in the end, we grew both as individuals and as a team. Throughout this process we achieved many successes as a team and are proud of the impact we have had on our community.”

Councillor Emma Rodden, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Education and Children’s Services Policy Board, said: “Well done to the young people involved in Food for Thought. It’s an outstanding achievement to finish third and win in three of the categories. Their hard work, ingenuity and dedication has brought them this success and it is well deserved.

“Johnstone High’s continuous success at reaching the national finals is a testament to the enthusiasm and effort the pupils put in and the support they receive from the school. I am very proud of all they have achieved.”