Written by Megan Hoerstkamp & Lexi Yochim, CAPS Business Students

Recently, our group had the opportunity to collaborate with Northern Star Homes for their Grand Opening of Stonebridge III—and it turned out to be much more than just a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

From the beginning, we were welcomed into an experience that gave us real-world insight into the home buying process. One highlight was the mock closing session, where we learned what it takes to purchase a home—from touring open houses to finalizing the smallest details. It was a valuable look into a major milestone that many of us will face in the future.

Our partnership didn’t stop there. We also connected with professionals from the Bank of Franklin County, who walked us through the financial side of homeownership. Their advice emphasized the importance of financial literacy, especially as we start thinking about our futures beyond high school.

We also helped coordinate an open house event, including working with Joe’s Bakery for catering. This part of the project gave us the chance to learn more about event planning and hospitality. As we prepared for the Grand Opening in collaboration with the Washington Chamber of Commerce (scheduled for late May), we gained hands-on experience with project coordination and professional communication.

More than anything, this partnership showed us the power of networking. We met people from different industries, learned to ask thoughtful questions, and practiced stepping out of our comfort zones. Every interaction helped us grow personally and professionally.

We’re incredibly grateful to Northern Star Home for including us in such a meaningful event. This experience opened doors—both literally and figuratively—and gave us new perspectives, new skills, and new opportunities. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Interested in working with our students? Reach out to Katelyn Huber, Business Connection Coordinator