Central, South students place in Youth Entrepreneur Challenge

USD 305

Salina Public Schools students displayed their entrepreneurial projects at the Youth Entrepreneur Challenge competition held on March 1.

The students did so well that NetWork Kansas expanded the cash prize awards to include fourth and fifth place. The student teams are judged on their business plan, trade show booth and a four-minute pitch.

“Every year I am so impressed with students’ ideas and their growth throughout this experience,” said Marysa McCartney, business instructor at Central High School. “Presenting in front of people can be uncomfortable, but when we challenge ourselves and do what is uncomfortable, that is where growth happens!”

Results of the competition include the following. The winners are seen below with Renee Duxler, interim CEO/president of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce.

<b>Brooks Richardson</b> — **Brooks Richardson**

First place: Brooks Richardson, senior, Central High School - LakeSide Cleanings (Instructor Kelly Jones)

<b>Allison Johnson</b> — **Allison Johnson**

Second place: Allison Johnson, sophomore, Central High School - PumpHouse Fitness & Cafe (Instructor Kelly Jones)

<b>Liam Deniau-Young</b> — **Liam Deniau-Young**

Third place: Liam Deniau-Young, freshman, Central High School - The Spindle & Chisel Woodworks (Instructor Marysa McCartney)

<b>Trey Crawford</b> — **Trey Crawford**

Fourth place: Trey Crawford, junior, South High School - Jewelers Emporium (Instructor Orlando Carmona)

<b>Jesus Delgado and Parker Graves</b> — **Jesus Delgado and Parker Graves**

Fifth place: Parker Graves and Jesus Delgado, both freshmen, Central High School - Sleevies (Instructor Marysa McCartney)

People’s Choice: Noah Peck, freshman, Central High School - Shaggy&Sharp (Instructor Marysa McCartney)

First place winner, Brooks Richardson, automatically advances to the state competition, Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge, and any other student businesses can apply as wildcards. The state competition is April 20 at Kansas State University. The Saline County YEC is a partnership between the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and Salina Public Schools.

“Our students are able to identify needs in our community and world that we (adults) often overlook,” said McCartney. “It is so fun to see their hard work rewarded and we are thankful to NetWork Kansas and the Chamber for inspiring and rewarding their hard work!”