Eagan Student Takes Career Training to School Cafeteria

Erik Hillesheim, a senior at Eagan High School, introduced himself with a steady voice and a firm handshake.

He was in the school's cafeteria to launch the new egg rolls and General Tso's Chicken with vegetable fried rice menu items that he sold and marketed as part of his time in the high school's mentor program.

"All I've heard is positive comments," said Hillesheim as he described student reactions to the foods. "'These egg rolls are the best. The chicken is so great.'"

Tuesday's launch was a food trial as the food and nutrition department decide whether or not to keep the new foods on the menu. Students also asked Hillesheim what they could do to keep the foods on the menu.

District 196 has mentor programs in each of the high schools, explained Maureen Love, a teacher in the program for 15 years. Hillesheim and other students who participate have to apply for the program, undergo an interview process, turn in two teacher recommendations and fulfill other requirements. Love described the students as "highly motivated individuals."

Hillesheim identified his interest as sales and marketing after completing a research project that program participants finish in their junior year. Then in June he began to work with his mentor, Pat McCoy, vice president of sales for Schwan's Food Service, which is based in Bloomington.

During that time, Hillesheim took part in consultative sales training, research training and product training.

"You can't take that knowledge from the classroom," Hillesheim said.

The other benefits he sees in the program are the connections he has made in the business world through networking and the knowledge he has gained before college that will help him select a career.

"With this project it's been very hands on, and it felt like an internship," said Hillesheim, "and that's a unique experience with Schwans."

Said McCoy, Hillesheim's mentor at Schwans, "We had him really think about what he wanted... He was confident in owning the project."

Hillesheim had to research federal regulations for school lunches and he received guidance from Schwans in the sales and marketing aspects of the project.

"He's a good kid," said McCoy.

Two weeks ago Hillesheim introduced a fruit smoothie to the cafeteria, which has remained as an a la carte item. He hopes that the General Tso's chicken with fried rice will remain as well.

Hillesheim already has his college plans set. He will attend the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota to pursue a field in business.

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