Wilkes EDC sponsored and participated in the third Tory Oak Project, which provides Wilkes Early College High School students with an immersive experience exploring Wilkes County’s career, entrepreneurial, and leisure opportunities. This year, over 60 tenth-grade students visited more than 20 destinations across the county, learning about local history, heritage, industry, economy, tourism, and recreation.
Throughout the program, students developed Wilkes-based business plans and pitched their ideas to a panel of judges. A total of 17 concepts were presented by groups of students, ranging from tourism experiences and outdoor recreation ideas to social hangout spots, nonprofits, and other ventures designed to engage both residents and visitors.
Stardust Cellars, Wilkes County’s local Meadery, generously donated non-alcoholic Mushroom Mead Orange Creamsicle, which was presented as one of the prizes for the business plan pitch. The business plan presentations were held at the Blue Ridge Outpost (the former Lowe’s Corporate Headquarters), offering an inspiring venue for the students’ work. Lunch was provided by Can Do Catering, with coffee from Fire Side Espresso.
Wilkes EDC supported the project with a $1,500 sponsorship and engaged with students through mentoring and judging. Judges included LeeAnn Nixon and Francisco Martinez of Wilkes EDC; Sherry Luckey of Finley Properties; Mick Zulpo, owner of The Block, The Lost Wombat, Wisdom Brewery, and co-owner of Liberty Theatre; Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, director of the Small Business Center at Wilkes Community College; Thomas Salley, director of Wilkes County Tourism; and Cindy Thompson, President of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce, along with Kristan Dotson of the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce.
Wilkes EDC recognizes the impact of the Tory Oak Project in developing future talent and fostering local opportunity. We proudly share that a student from the inaugural Tory Oak Project, Mya Baynes, went on to establish Blue Ridge Food Tours, a guided walking experience blending food, history, and culture to connect visitors with Downtown North Wilkesboro. Additionally, her business was recently awarded funding towards equipment and marketing support in the 2025 Fall Cycle of Wilkes EDC’s Entrepreneur Grant Program.
LeeAnn Nixon expressed, “We celebrate the continued impact this educational program has on students as they become more aware of local businesses. This is also a wonderful way to discover opportunities available to remain in Wilkes County as future entrepreneurs”.
If you or your organization would like to support next year’s Tory Oak Project, please contact Olivia Walsh.
Wilkes Early College High School | walsho@wilkes.k12.nc.us | (336) 838-6247
More pictures coming soon.
