On December 17, Mustang “studentrepreneurs” competed in Yorba Linda High School’s annual Shark Tank and Business Expo. This annual competition is a collaborative effort between the school’s Mustang Business Academy (MBA) and social science department. MBA and senior economics students are tasked with determining a problem in their community or in their daily lives and providing an innovative solution to present in a “fast pitch” event.
With the guidance of their teachers, Rey Lejano, Lloyd Walls and Samiya Hai and mentoring of Will Taormina of National Start-up League, students identify a problem, brainstorm an innovation, conduct market research, create a prototype and craft a 60 second pitch that is delivered to “sharks” or judges from both the Yorba Linda and Placentia communities.
All students pitched their innovations to judges during our lightning round who then decided the top five finalists. After an intense pitch, question and answer session, the top three winners were determined. They were Casey Morand’s “Audicane” in first place, Katelyn Tuff, Jayden Hawley, and Natalie Brine’s “Flare” in second place, and Alaura Dabaskinsas, Ryan Henry, and Jenassi McKinney “Protective Toothpick” in third place.
Each year, this event provides Mustangs with an opportunity to develop their soft skills and presentation techniques, and apply classroom knowledge in an all-encompassing real world simulation. What an experience for students at YLHS!
The school looks forward to continuing this tradition for its students in years to come. If you would like to learn more or participate in the event next year, please contact Samiya Hai at shai@pylusd.org.
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