SPRINGFIELD (WGGB) – Two fifth graders from Rebecca Johnson Elementary school got the chance to venture out of their classroom Wednesday, and become a CEO for the day. Antinese Hines and Alexis Quinones both won a 200-word essay contest out of nearly 200 students participating in their class. The subject of the essay, was what does it take to be a CEO?

“I want to be a lawyer.” Quinones tells Abc40. “But if I don’t end up being a lawyer, I want to be a CEO.”

Both students shadowed Kirk Smith, CEO of the Greater Springfield YMCA. Following him around, they attended board meetings, spoke with employees, and handled cash reports.

“If you can go to college, but don’t have to at the same time, it’s going to up your chances of becoming a CEO.” Hines says. She knows the job comes with  much responsibility. She found the experience fun and inspiring. “For the first time you can boss people around and not get in trouble!”

The Rebecca Johnson Elementary School holds a career day every year, and the YMCA is a participant. This year the school and the organization teamed up to create the ‘CEO for a Day’ initiative. Something they hope to expand to more fifth graders in the region.

“We’re very proud of them being able to take part in this phenomenal opportunity.” Principal Darcia Milner says. “They can take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to what they do in the world everyday.”