The 1st Annual
Thomas County Entrepreneurship competition, sponsored by the Thomas
County Economic Development Department and headed by Christy Preston, was held on Thursday, March 12. It was a huge success!
This tradeshow was a 120-minute event where the students (8th graders) had the opportunity to pitch their business or product to a panel
of judges. The judges visited each student or team and evaluated their
business plan, displays, and ability to discuss their business/product
idea.
The students were judged on the following:
1. Business Plan
2. Elevator Pitch
3. Tradeshow Presentation and Questioning
Colby Middle School had a total of 37 entries. The students worked so hard and did an amazing job! The following awards were presented upon conclusion of the competition:
1st Place ($500) ~ L. Hamilton with Capmo Hobbies and Agriculture Services
2nd Place ($300) ~ K. Wahlmeier with Natural Skin Care Products
3rd Place ($200) ~ B. Alexander, J. Tubbs, A. Reed, J. Pangaliman with Pooch Emporium
A. Carney came in 4th place and received $100 for the Rural Development Award with her daycare business called Lexi's Tot's 'R' Us Daycare.
K. Garrett and R. Meyers received $100 for Most Creative and Outside the Box Business.
N. Douglass and S. Westcott received $50 for Most Creative Display.
S. Boutte received $100 for The People's Choice Award.
Our top four placers have secured a spot in the Regional competition to be held in Leoti, Ks, May 6 where they will have the opportunity to earn additional money placing in the top three. 1st place will receive $2,500, 2nd place will receive $1,250, and 3rd place will receive $750 along with other awards.
Colby Middle School 8th grade students currently have five other teams that are applying to secure a spot in the Regional competition as well.