Brecknock Elementary students explore impact of businesses in Berks through Business Symposium

A student works the “sales counter” at the fictionalized GM Chocolates labeling handmade confections. This booth is based around local chocolatier, Godiva.

Fourth grade students at Brecknock Elementary welcomed local business owners into their halls on Friday, November 22 to explore Sweet Read City, a bustling business hub based out of their very own school library, at their first ever Fall Business Symposium.

This fictionalized town has been under construction since the start of the 2024-25 school year and is meant to closely model the commercial landscape within Berks County. Each class selected a business within Berks County and collaborated closely with a representative of that business to learn about the goods and services they provide, the career opportunities available within their industry, and how their business benefits the local community.

Participating businesses and organizations included Giant Food Stores #6723, Godiva (Pladis Global), B2 Bistro + Bar, FirstEnergy Stadium | Fightin Phils, Santander Arena & Performing Arts Center | Reading Royals, Weaver’s Orchard, Inc. and Reading Science Center.

In addition to learning about individual local businesses, a small group of student representatives were selected to run the Sweet Read City Business Alliance. This group was modeled after the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance and was tasked with coordinating the Business Symposium events, which included a ribbon cutting ceremony, keynote speech and a meet-and-greet.

“This Business Symposium is a celebration of community because we know that when businesses are successful, the whole community benefits!” said Patrick Hannigan, a student at Brecknock Elementary who also serves as president of the Sweet Read City Business Alliance. This project was led by Brecknock Elementary librarian Rachel Sebastian. Sebastian said the intent of the project is to further student understanding of real-world concepts such as the economy, entrepreneurship and community interdependence.

Sebastian is a Total Experience Learning® certified educator and utilized the methodology throughout this process.

“This learning journey, along with all of the Total Experience Learning® happening here at Brecknock Elementary School, empowers students to be innovative solutionaries who have a passion for improving the community and beyond!” said Sebastian.