Oakmont’s EXCEL Life Skills Program — designed to equip high school students with the essential tools for successful adult living through targeted instruction and hands-on experiences — has started a student-run candle company called Igniting Possibilities.

 As the website states this business “aims to help people with and without disabilities… to raise awareness, educate, inspire, and motivate people.”

The business started as a fun project during class, after Mr. Mellekas, Oakmont’s special education teacher, found some candle-making supplies while cleaning out his basement.  From there, the class of seven students began researching how candles are made. Mellekas explained, “We ended up going down a rabbit hole on YouTube and found many videos on how people started making candle companies.” 

The students learned that many candle businesses make their candles around a theme. It became important to the class and business to create, not only candles but also a message. The theme they decided on was ‘overcoming barriers’ and ‘never surrendering – never giving up’. 

Oakmont EXCEL student, Julia Traudt said the class wanted to “inspire people to follow their dreams.” 

To create a logo for their business, EXCEL student Chloe Richard wasn’t as excited about the candle-making process, but she was able to contribute in a way that incorporated her passion for art. She drew up a design that captured the idea that you should work hard, be kind, and follow your dreams. They then sent it in to an AI program which then inspired the creation of their logo based on her sketch. 

With funds raised from their hard work and creativity, the students of the EXCEL program decided to save for a class Xbox. They wanted to “inspire people to follow their dreams,” said Oakmont EXCEL student JuliaTraudt.

Mellekas describes their business Igniting Possibilities as, “an opportunity to provide students with a hands-on learning experience that combines school subjects with real-life situations.”

While the everyday EXCEL program focuses on life skill building, this endeavor allows students to put their skills into action, in the kitchen and the classroom.

By creating this opportunity, students build important math skills, when working with the money they earn and marketing skills when selling their products.

They gain useful job essentials, improve their work habits, and practice social skills in a supportive business setting.

“My favorite part of the class business is selling candles and making people happy,” said EXCEL student, Ryan Besset.

Mellekas is excited about the opportunities that have sprung from the boxes in his basement. “This helps the students become entrepreneurs and allows students to think creatively and solve problems,” he said.

Additionally, students learn to speak up for themselves by sharing their needs and promoting the business at school – a business that shares good smells and good vibes.

On their website https://sites.google.com/awrsd.org/igniting-possibilities/shop people can find their vast candle scent options which includes fresh cut roses, roasted marshmallows, clean cotton sheets, strawberry, fig tree, cinnamon, oak moss and amber, lilac blossoms, and apricot reserves. The small candles cost $5 while the larger candles cost $12. 

Their overall message is, “to follow your dreams and achieve your goals no matter the barriers. Kindness, hard work, and the Golden Rule are the keys to unlocking limitless possibilities.”

Lastly, Mellekas went on to thank those who contributed to this project, “This project would not have happened without the help of our special customer base who are the teachers, administrators, and students who support our business, The Oamonitor, OTV News, the Ash-West Community, Cynthia Ruschioni, and also a very special thank you to Gwen Vance who donated a plethora of needed supplies and Paul Giacobbe who has shared the same enthusiasm for taking this project to a higher level”

* Be sure to check out their student documentary on their website, which is linked above and can be accessed through a QR code.