In October of 2017, a group of Cordova Middle School students, now known as the Lemonade Club, sat in a classroom while brainstorming ideas on how they could create a business that would not only turn a hefty profit, but one that would also be successful in a meaningful way. 

The front yard lemonade stand of a young girl named Alexandra Scott, inspired the Cavaliers to start their own journey. Although Alex lost her battle to neuroblastoma, a type of childhood cancer, she raised over $1 million to help find a cure for childhood cancer. After hearing Alex’s story and presenting a successful business plan, the Lemonade Club was granted a start-up loan from Principal, Rob Ransom. 

Mr. Ransom wasn’t the only one who saw potential. Local grocery stores and other community members donated gift cards and other monetary donations to help the Lemonade Club get started. From there, the Cavaliers were able to lay down the framework on the completely student-led club. 

Members learned about the key ingredients for their recipe, money, and how to calculate price per cup. With freshly squeezed cups in hand, students would sell their lemonade at baseball, softball, and soccer games. After the games, students were responsible for other aspects of the business such as station breakdown and cleanup. 

Chris Turner, Financial Advisor of Modern Woodmen of America and Owner of Twisted Treats, made sure that club members understood the significance of business terms like profit margin, proposals, and loans. Turner even matched their sales of $500. 

As a way to thank the students for their effort and dedication to help others, on Friday, April 27, they were treated to lunch at Pattan’s Downtown Grille and Twisted Treats. Students and club advisors, Shannon Haywood, Glori Frye, and Nicole Hollingsworth, also stopped in to visit local businesses, Simply Chic and Kool Kakes to hear their entrepreneurial start-up stories. 

Proceeds will be donated to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and to Cordova Middle School. Life isn't always sweet, but when life gives you lemons, sometimes you turn those lemons into a sweet profit that will help others.