Elementary students tour Downtown Owensboro - 14 News, WFIE, Evansville, Henderson, Owensboro

Elementary students tour Downtown Owensboro

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OWENSBORO, KY (WFIE) -

If you spend a lot of time in Downtown Owensboro, you'd have notice a younger crowd filling the streets on Wednesday. 

Students from Sorgho Elementary school toured the city in what was a unique learning experience. The tour is part of a partnership the school has with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce.

"I would like to own my own business," said fifth grade student Jack Fuller.

This trip has students thinking about their future.

"I want to make clothes, maybe bridal gowns," said student Haley Bond.

They're learning about local businesses, downtown development and education opportunities.

"My favorite part was probably right here, learning about our community," said Fuller.

Fuller says he now better understands the city he lives in.

 "I learned about leadership skills and the businesses of Owensboro," said Fuller.

The Chamber of Commerce has worked closely with the students all year, teaching them the importance of hard work and education.

Then students hit the streets for the full experience, touring businesses like Wax Works.

"Being able to see the people that work at a business, especially one that's kind of interesting. Wax Works of course is a national distributor of movies and DVD's, there's something they're automatically interested in, so they're going to follow the progression," said Kirk Kirkpatrick of Wax Works.

Students also got an update on downtown projects and what it means for them.

"With all this development here, I think it's going to be really good for the businesses so it would probably be a good place to stay," said student Haley Bond.

Staying here, is exactly what leaders want these young folks to do successfully.

Laura Cecil, a staff developer with Sorgho Elementary said, "We want them to realize what opportunities are right here in Owensboro and that with a good education and good working skills ,effort, work ethic,that they can be successful right here in our own community and come back and contribute to our community that's what we're hoping for".

"I think it's going to be something they take with them the rest of their life I hope, and hopefully motivate them to become business people at some point in their lives," said Interim President of the Chamber Debbie Benedek.

Students also toured Kentucky Wesleyan College and ate lunch downtown.

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