At Mount Vernon High School, junior Kale Oswalt is already doing what many adults only dream of—running his own businesses while still juggling the demands of high school life. Long before graduation, Oswalt has managed to turn his passions for language and faith into two thriving entrepreneurial ventures.
Oswalt owns an app designed to help people learn Spanish, a subject that has held deep meaning for him since middle school. He also operates a Christian-based clothing brand, inspired by his faith and desire to spread positivity.
“I’ve known for a while that I don’t want to go to college,” Oswalt said. “I don’t want to have a direct boss, and I want to be able to make my own schedule.”
Kale’s love for the Spanish language began in seventh grade, thanks to his teacher, Señora Bandy, who provided more than just academic instruction during a difficult time in his life.
“I had many personal issues at the time, and Señora Bandy was a safe space for me,” Oswalt said. “I saw her Spanish class as a home.”
That connection to language has shaped how Oswalt sees the world. He believes learning other languages can bridge cultural divides and bring people closer together.
Oswalt’s skills in Spanish have already made a difference in real life. He recalled a time when his language abilities unexpectedly helped someone in need.
“My brother was in the hospital for an illness,” Oswalt said. “In the parking garage, a man asked me if I spoke Spanish. I said yes, and I ended up helping him with a problem he was having. That moment showed me how valuable it is to be able to communicate across languages.”
Beyond language, Oswalt’s other business venture, the Christian clothing brand, reflects his commitment to faith and personal expression. His goal is to create clothing that encourages people to be proud of what they believe.
“I wanted people to join and let their voice be heard,” Oswalt said. “I wanted people to know what it was about, and I sort of wanted to be the lighthouse and the beacon of light for people interested in learning about Christianity.”
Faith remains at the center of everything Oswalt does, serving as the inspiration behind his entrepreneurial journey.
“I was sitting in a church service when I got the idea to start,” Oswalt said. “I never thought of it as a long-term thing. I just wanted to make an impact on people while I can.”
As Oswalt continues through high school, his story stands as a reminder that ambition, creativity, and faith can come together to create something extraordinary, no college degree required.
