This is Richland County CEO member Brody Thomas, and as this chapter comes to an end, I just want to say thank you. CEO has been one of the most impactful experiences of my high school career. I want to give a special thank you to our investors, board members, mentors, facilitator, and the entire community for believing in us and giving us this opportunity. Your support made everything possible. My favorite memory from this year was the Trade Show. Seeing everyone’s businesses come to life and watching all of our hard work pay off was an incredible feeling. It showed how far we had all come, not just as students, but as young entrepreneurs. Through CEO, I learned how to run a business, manage money, communicate professionally, and step outside of my comfort zone. My individual business, Bat Mago, taught me discipline, creativity, and the importance of building relationships. What I will miss most is the people. The connections, the daily conversations, and the support from everyone in the room made this experience special. To the Class of 2027: take advantage of every opportunity, don’t be afraid to fail, and put everything you have into it. It goes by fast.Thank you, CEO.