Top Student Businesses Named at Henry County FLEX Finals

HENRY COUNTY, GA — March 2026 — The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation proudly hosted the local FLEX (Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship X-Perience) Round Three Finals, highlighting innovation, leadership, and the entrepreneurial spirit of local high school students.

This year’s finals were hosted at Creekside Christian Academy, whose partnership helped create a dynamic and professional environment for the competition. Dr. Rodney Clark, head of school for Creekside Christian Academy, and Dr. John Pace III, superintendent of Henry County Schools, provided remarks, emphasizing the importance of real-world learning, workforce development, and investing in the future of students across Henry County.

“What we witnessed at the FLEX Finals is the future of Henry County’s workforce and business community,” said Joseph B. Henning, CCE, president and CEO of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “These students are developing real skills, solving real problems, and stepping into leadership roles earlier than ever. That’s exactly the kind of momentum that strengthens a community long-term.”

After progressing through multiple rounds of competition, workshops, and mentorship, the program culminated in a final pitch event featuring the top three student businesses. The Henry County FLEX program is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Local FLEX Finals:

• First Place: Dough Beauty – Lola Stanley, Dutchtown High School
• Second Place: Aerial Worx – Casey Amy and Josie Vaughn, Creekside Christian Academy
• Third Place: Pocket Pals – David Williams, Creekside Christian Academy

These students demonstrated exceptional creativity, business knowledge, and confidence as they presented their business to a panel of judges representing the local business community: Angela Hall, economic development project manager of the Henry County Development Authority; Brandon Hutchison, executive vice president and general manager of EchoPark Speedway; Dr. Cephas Archie, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs at Clayton State University; Diane Miller, owner of Green Front Café; and the Hon. Andrea Boyd, Henry County Magistrate Court.

The first-place winner, Dough Beauty, will go on to represent Henry County at the Georgia FLEX State Finals on April 15, competing against young entrepreneurs from across the state for the grand prize of $10,000.

The event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, led by Georgia Power as the presenting sponsor, and Central Georgia EMC and Snapping Shoals EMC as event sponsors. The Chamber and Chamber Foundation extends its appreciation to all sponsors who contributed to a valuable learning experience for each student involved.

View the full event photo gallery here.

Special thanks are also extended to all mentors, teacher advisors, committee members, and community partners, including the Henry County School System, Creekside Christian Academy, and the Henry County Library System, for their continued collaboration and commitment to student development.

If you are interested in learning more about the Henry County FLEX Program, visit the program landing page: https://www.henrycounty.com/flex-henry-county/ or contact Trinity Archer, program coordinator, at tarcher@henrycounty.com.

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation congratulates all FLEX participants and looks forward to continuing to grow this impactful program in the years to come.