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Background and History

Being No. 1 in the first regional competition ever is just about all anyone could hope for - unless it's a standing ovation from the judges.

Which is just what happened to Kansas City Kansas Community College's team in the 2002 SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) Regional Championship in St. Louis.

Not only did Allen Lenoir's team bring home the championship trophy, the KCKCC chapter also won "Rookie of the Year" honors and an honorable mention for workshops for their presentation of "Responsible Use of Credit Week."

Members of the team, which will now compete in the SIFE USA national competition at Bartle Hall May 12-14, are Evangeline Fanning, Michael Green, Kevin Mitchem, Mattie Oakman, Jen Simmons, Jyll Spencer-Aumick, Thellena Riley and Angel Stagner.

Not only did the panel of 14 judges give the KCKCC team a standing ovation, they were lavish in their written praise of the team formed this year by Lenior, a business instructor and Sam Walton Fellow. Some of those comments:

"This team exemplifies what SIFE is all about - helping the community and learning over the actual presentation. Best presentation in terms of meaningfulness and sincerity I've ever seen. Great job!"

"It's very refreshing to see the attitude of community involvement portrayed by your team. Keep up the excellent work."

"You have done well your first year - keep up the awesome job in your community. You are well on your way to continued success. Work together, stay focused and don't give up!"

"I really like your entrepreneurial spirit. You're a part of SIFE to help your community and not to win the competition. For that, you have my utmost respect."

The KCKCC chapter earned the No. 1 honor by developing meaningful projects that impacted not only students but people in the community.

On campus, they taught college freshmen the risks of owning and using a credit card, explained how the point system works, how to pay off high interest rates and how easy it is to get into debt.

"Students were able to walk away with a clear understanding of budgeting, controlling debt and protecting themselves against identity theft," said Lenoir. Other projects:

• After completing a program on tax training, chapter members prepared free federal, state and property tax filings for elderly and low income families.
• An educational game was created that taught second graders at Quindaro Elementary School the basics of supply and demand, how the economy works and how to make wise choices in purchasing consumer products.
• Students at the Academy of Kansas City were taught what an entrepreneur is and who can be one and also how to set up a market plan and sale of products to raise money for their school.

While the students were hopeful of high ratings, the No. 1 ranking in their first year came as a surprise. "We were stunned," said Evangeline Fanning.

"I think what stood us apart as No. 1 was we truly helped the community while a lot of chapters were too global and missed the whole concept," said chapter president Jen Simmons. "Everyone gave 110 percent and even without the trophy, it was worth everything we put into it."

"I think not only the students but myself learned almost as much about our community as we have about ourselves," said Lenoir, who said the mission of the SIFE team is to "serve the community, improve the quality of life and standard of living within our community and educate and illuminate our community and beyond."

Lenoir said six students have already signed up for next year's team and several others have indicated their intentions to join.

"The door has now been open for all students at KCKCC to take a stand for their community," said Lenior. "Look out world, we are changing your community one at a time."