Congratulations to Dylan Stoltzfus ’27 (Reading, Pa.), whose proposal for empowering young entrepreneurs was selected as a winning entry in a statewide essay contest organized by Pennsylvania State Representative Joe Ciresi.

The contest invited Pennsylvania high school students to share their ideas about government, public policy, and democracy. Students could draft a mock bill or policy for the state government, propose ways Pennsylvania could better serve underprivileged communities, or reflect on the meaning of democracy and how it can be strengthened over the next decade.

Dylan chose to develop a mock bill titled the Pennsylvania Minor Entrepreneurship Act. Her proposal called for removing some of the legal barriers faced by young business owners by allowing qualified 16- and 17-year-olds in Pennsylvania to obtain a limited business license and independently operate certain small businesses. Under Dylan’s proposed legislation, eligible young entrepreneurs would be able to enter into necessary business contracts and manage business finances.

The proposal also included safeguards such as a $50,000 annual revenue cap, parent or guardian notification, restrictions limiting participation to low-risk businesses, tax requirements, and the automatic expiration of the license when the individual turns 18.

Dylan’s proposal was inspired by her own experience as a young entrepreneur managing her own online resale business, The Pink Hanger.  She argued that Pennsylvania law should better reflect a world in which teenagers can create, manage, and grow businesses online, including from their own homes.

As the winning student representing Pennsylvania’s 146th Legislative District, which includes The Hill, Dylan was invited to join other high school students from across the Commonwealth for a special Pennsylvania House of Representatives session at historic Congress Hall in Philadelphia on September 9. The program, held in connection with America250PA and the nation’s Semiquincentennial commemoration, also included opportunities for students to engage with civic leaders and dignitaries.

Because the event coincided with Hill’s opening of school, Dylan was unable to attend the special session in person.

Dylan credits her Hill experience, including the encouragement of history teacher Josh Schofield, with helping to deepen her interest in history, government, and public policy.

Congratulations to Dylan on this outstanding achievement!