Senior Launchpad Student Uses Her Entrepreneurial Skills to Help Two Special Organizations

Gilmour's Launchpad class is about empowering students to take action in bringing their ideas and passions to life in meaningful ways that will give them real-world experiences and skills. Students work with course instructor Mr. Polak to determine their objectives for the course and develop a highly personalized and individualized curriculum as they bring their ideas to life.

Current Launchpad student Mackenzie Palinski ’21 wanted to fundraise for two non-profits that hold special meaning for her - the Greater Cleveland Food Bank and Special Olympics. After serving at the Food Bank through school, she wanted to give back to those struggling with food insecurity. And through her work with Gilmour’s track and field team, which helps coach a Special Olympics team, she has seen the joy that competing through sports brings the participants. So, she decided to make and sell bracelets, with all proceeds split between these two organizations. 

Mackenzie said, "I am excited that Launchpad has given me the opportunity to give back to two amazing organizations, and that I have been able to grow in learning more about entrepreneurship through the class."  

The bracelets are on sale now! If you are interested in supporting her project, you can email her at palinskim@gilmour.org for more information.