Marshall High School student explores innovative business idea

Marshall High School junior Mark Rabaey is not your average student. While most high schoolers are focused on homework and extracurricular activities, Rabaey is busy launching his own business centered around his passion for playing the violin.

Rabaey has been playing the violin since he was 8 years old, and now he’s taking his talent to the next level by offering his services at events in the Marshall area. So far, he has played at weddings, a funeral, and a Christmas party at the Marshall Golf Club.

But Rabaey’s business venture is not just about making money. It’s also earning him school credit through the Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class at Marshall High School. This class gives students hands-on experience in starting and operating businesses, and Rabaey saw an opportunity to turn his love for the violin into a successful business endeavor.

“I thought it was a good foundation, and that a business concept could be a way to build on it,” Rabaey said. “We were told to choose a business idea that would involve something that interests us, something where we already have knowledge.”

In addition to his violin business, Rabaey and his classmates launched an apparel business this past winter, securing $9,000 in start-up money and earning a profit of $2,600 in just a few months.

Rabaey’s dedication to his craft and his entrepreneurial spirit have not gone unnoticed. His CEO adviser, Shanda Walker, praised his talent and work ethic, saying, “Mark is a dedicated student who always thinks about ways he might be able to improve. He rolls up his sleeves and takes responsibility. He works well with his fellow class members, which is very valuable in the business world.”

As Rabaey looks ahead to college and beyond, he hopes to continue growing his violin business and building a strong client base in the Marshall area. With his talent and determination, there’s no doubt that Rabaey’s business will continue to flourish in the years to come.