Hummus With Heart: An 8th Grader Committed to a Social Cause

Watch any great cooking show and you’ll experience a chef weaving stories about their life into recipes as they come to life. The same is true for Aspen Academy 8th Grade student, Arielle Sokol.

14 Year Olds Solving Problems

The school becomes a virtual think tank for entrepreneurship each spring, as each 8th grader writes a business plan and brings to life their business. The capstone project Aspen’s LiFE curriculum gives students the opportunity to explore a problem, create a solution, craft a comprehensive business plan, and develop a pitch to encourage others to support their businesses. The event culminates in a live Business Plan Shark Tank Competition, for a cash award, with local entrepreneur judges.

Uncle David’s Hummus: A Dip and a Donation

Arielle’s business started as an homage to things she loves: connecting with family over great food, a cherished family recipe, and a tribute to her beloved uncle. She set out to bring these three things together and created Uncle David’s Hummus, where she makes the clean, healthy, and delicious dip.

One of the things that makes Arielle’s venture unique is her commitment to donating 10% of her profits to the Melanoma Research Foundation in honor of her Uncle David, who heartbreakingly passed away last year from melanoma. The non-profit is dedicated to accelerating research, educating, and advocating for the melanoma community.

Arielle shares, “Throughout my life, family gatherings revolved around delightful food, with hummus reigning as the ultimate treat. The pinnacle of hummus perfection occurred when my Uncle David and his family visited, and we crafted hummus together. This is why I carry on the tradition of making hummus. It's a cherished family recipe, a tribute to my uncle who, sadly, passed away last year. Uncle David was a culinary enthusiast, passionate about wholesome, organic fare—like hummus! This is my homage to him.”

A Generation of Hope

Arielle is one of more than 50 students painstakingly creating businesses for the annual competition that began in April. From an app and device that tracks your lost skis to custom-made crepes, students showcase their businesses on select Friday mornings at the school. “Each year, the competition is upleveled and we see students solving even more difficult problems with clever solutions. It is truly remarkable what 14-year-olds are capable of when adults let them learn and lead. It creates so much hope and inspiration to experience their efforts. As a society, we’re in good hands,” shared Kristina Scala, Founder and President of Aspen Academy.

To make a donation to the Melanoma Research Foundation, visit the Uncle David’s Hummus website here: https://uncledavidshummus.com

Follow on Instagram @uncledavidshummus

Learn about more 8th Grade Businesses here.

This article original appeared in the May edition of "Neighbors of Greenwood Village."