Keshena, WI: The students at the Menominee Indian High School, in Keshena, Wisconsin have something to cheer about, thanks to Bethesda, Maryland-based Master Key Consulting.
For many high schools across the US, the idea of a school store is a common notion. But for the 198 students at the Menominee Indian High School on the Menominee Indian Reservation in north central Wisconsin, a school store that sells t-shirts, baseball caps, hoodies and other apparel items with their high school logo has been a perennial goal that could never seem to get off the ground. That is until Corey Webster, a dedicated teacher at Menominee Indian High School, decided to make a phone call that would transform this dream into reality.
Webster, a deeply involved Art Teacher, Assistant Varsity Football Coach, Senior Class Advisor, Yearbook Advisor and M.E.D.I.A. Advisor, decided to add another hat to his collection when he took on the role of developing a school store for the Indian reservation high school. Since Webster arrived at the school four years ago, he has supported the idea of a school store to build school spirit. “School spirit in the form of spirit wear is not readily available here,” said Webster. “You don’t see many students walking around with items supporting our school. A few years ago we offered some school t-shirts and sweatshirts and they sold out in a few weeks. The students, parents, and community members were so excited. I knew then that a school store with clothing, hats, spirit items, back packs, school supplies and various logo items would be a huge success for our school and community.”
With this revelation, Webster approached the school Principal and Superintendent and received their enthusiastic support. “The only thing standing in our way was the money to make it happen,” said Webster. “That’s when I decided to call Jonathan Wilber at Master Key Consulting to see if he could help.”
Wilber, Menominee Tribal member, former student of the Menominee Indian School District and CEO of Master Key Consulting has been a long standing supporter of Menominee Nation institutions and charities. When Webster approached Wilber with a request for a $2,000-$3,000 cash donation to get the project off the ground, Wilber responded with a $10,000 donation from Master Key Consulting, giving the Menominee Eagles the wings it needed to start their high school store.
Wilber, an active proponent of small Native American businesses, wanted to do more than just make a donation. He wanted to connect the new school store with a small Native American apparel supplier to ensure that the company’s donation would benefit students, community and small business in equal parts. Native Genes Apparel, owned by a Menominee Indian High School graduate, was selected to supply the new school store with quality apparel products showcasing unique American Indian designs.
When asked about his generous school donation and efforts to benefit small Native American businesses, Jonathan Wilber commented on Master Key Consulting’s core beliefs. “Targeted giving is part of our Key Principles, developed by our employees in 2003 to positively impact our clients, our community and our company. Schools and colleges serving American Indian students have given us so much and continue to develop leaders from our native communities,” said Wilber. “Giving back to these schools and encouraging tribal entrepreneurship is a clear priority for our corporate giving. Prosperity will only come to Menominee and other reservations when individual members own and run businesses that benefit their communities. Government run businesses are not going to get it done. If our gift inspires just one student to open their eyes and their minds wide enough to dream about someday owning their own business, creating local jobs and benefitting the entire community…then this is money well spent.”
Students at the Menominee Indian High School will have the opportunity to work in their new student store, increasing critical sales and business management skills. “The new student store will be a great opportunity for our students to put business skills into practice and learn what it takes to make a business run,” said Webster. “Parents and fans of the Menominee Eagles will also have the opportunity to buy spirit wear that supports the Eagles’ Basketball, Football, Volley Ball and other teams. “
The $10,000 donation from Master Key requires the school to reinvest store profits to continually maintain product inventory and add more items on a regular basis. The store is waiting for its first delivery and will open soon to offer school spirit wear and other school logo merchandise.
“I can’t wait to finally have school spirit wear on the shelves and ultimately in the community,” said Webster. “This donation from Master Key has made all the difference and will give our community something to cheer about.”
About Master Key Consulting
Founded in 2001, Master Key Consulting provides professional services and consulting services in management and information technology to five agencies of the federal government in eleven states and the District of Columbia. Master Key has also supported Indian Tribal Governments and Colleges.
Master Key Consulting is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland as has offices in Albuquerque, New Mexico and Keshena, Wisconsin.
Contact: Jonathan Wilber, CEO: 240-223-1453: email: jwilber@masterkeyconsulting.com
