Wyandanch Memorial HS hosts fifth annual “Shark Tank”
Wyandanch Memorial High School hosted its fifth annual “Shark Tank” competition on April 29 in the school’s auditorium. Student entrepreneurs competed for cash prizes by pitching 12 different innovative business ideas to a panel of judges, in front of a live audience.. Each scholar or team delivered a 10-minute pitch followed by a Q&A session with judges, with the participants evaluated on the strength of their business plan, organization and clarity of their pitch, delivery and presentation skills, and their ability to respond to questions.
The competition is designed to encourage creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, while helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and public speaking skills. Finalists participated in mentoring sessions to refine their ideas and presentations in advance of the event.
The first-place prize of $500 went to the team of Iyana Carpenter and Abigail Argueta Vigil, for their Plastics to Purpose pitch. Lorica Michel earned the second-place prize of $300 for her Michel’s Bakery plan, while Alexa Calderon took third and a $200 prize for her Heart to Hand Kits idea.
“I couldn't be more proud of every single student who stepped into the ‘Tank’ this year,” school librarian Stephanie Sternberg said. “Watching them evolve from the initial brainstorming sessions to delivering professional pitches in front of high-level executives has been truly inspiring. This process was about so much more than a competition; it was about the resilience, creativity and hard work they put into every market analysis and financial plan. Seeing their growth and the confidence they’ve gained through this journey is the ultimate success.”
