Thank you, Gateway CEO family, for joining us for our Annual Fall Meet & Greet! ☕️
From the very beginning of CEO, our Class of 2027 has been learning that first impressions matter. They are learning how to shake hands, make eye contact, introduce themselves, hold a conversation, ask questions and perhaps most importantly, how to show up for each other and be “on” when it's time to network.
Our dress code varies throughout the year, but Thursday morning called for professional dress, and these young entrepreneurs showed up ready to make a statement. They arrived early. They helped set up. They directed parking. They welcomed our guests. And then they did the real work—introducing themselves and building relationships.
For many, this was their first opportunity to network with the people who make Gateway CEO possible. Our students met community leaders who continually invest in them in so many ways - through financial support, mentoring, guest speaking, hosting site visits, serving on our board, supporting CEO as parents and families, and encouraging these young adults through our schools.
And something pretty special happened. Their journals reflected some nervousness leading up to the morning. But afterward, the conversation changed. It was FUN. It wasn't as intimidating as they expected it to be! There were interesting people to meet. Conversations to have. Familiar faces and brand-new connections. And our students began to realize that these people weren't just there to network with them—they were genuinely interested in their success. We had the BEST morning! ☀️
A huge thank you to Truck Centers for hosting us on the back lot and to all of our sponsors and community partners who helped make this morning possible.
And a special shoutout to Caden Ballard, one of our Collinsville seniors, who used his personal connections to coordinate coffee from Ronocco and have it brewed by Troy Family Restaurant.
We also appreciate the in-kind support from Casey's in Troy for breakfast pizza and Jody White – State Farm Insurance for bottled water.
These may seem like small details, but they're actually what CEO is all about—people using their connections, resources and talents to invest in the next generation.
And then there was the best part…Watching 21 students come together as a team. The camaraderie was evident. The confidence grew. And there was a pretty big sense of accomplishment when they realized, “We did this.”
This was just the beginning. There will be many more opportunities this fall for our students to step outside their comfort zones, meet new people, ask questions, make connections and continue becoming the young professionals they are capable of becoming.
We couldn't be more excited to watch them grow. Thank you to everyone who showed up for our students. ❤️
#GatewayCEO #ClassOf2027 #YoungEntrepreneurs #FutureLeaders #Networking #CommunitySupport #InvestInTheNextGeneration
