Wyandanch Union Free School District

Wyandanch Memorial High School hosted is third annual Shark Tank Competition on May 2, drawing an audience of energetic and enthusiastic students and staff to watch 11 exceptional student-entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges.

            From a mobile cellphone repair company to an online academic resources app, the event culminated in the recognition of three outstanding student ventures. Mauricsha Murray took first place for a second year with her eco-conscious business, Green Street, demonstrating growth and commitment to sustainable enterprise. Second place was Lorica Michels with her venture, NewHope, aimed at supporting mental wellness and resilience. Lauren Alfaro secure third place with her education-focused mobile app, Suffolk County Scholars, designed to help local students access scholarships and academic resources.

The Shark Tank Competition provided each participant with a unique platform to present their business plans, engage in questions and answers with the judges, and receive professional feedback. Competitors were evaluated based on the strength of their business plans, pitch structure, delivery and ability to respond to judges’ questions.

            “This year's Shark Tank Competition showcased the remarkable talent and ingenuity of our young entrepreneurs, demonstrating their comprehensive engagement in diverse aspects of business development,” said Stephanie Sternberg, Intro to Business teacher, school librarian and Shark Tank program coordinator. “The invaluable mentorship provided by the CEOs from across Long Island significantly contributed to the students' entrepreneurial mindset. I am incredibly proud of all participants, as how this plays a vital role in cultivating real-world business skills and providing access to experienced guidance for our future leaders.”

            The competition was made possible by the generous event sponsors including SupplyHouse.com, Upward Health and Gaia Holdings LLC, along with a dedicated panel of guest judges representing a wide range of industries.

Each student-entrepreneur walked away not only with monetary awards—ranging from $500 for first place to $50 for all participants—but also with the experience and confidence to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.