by Ann Clark-Smurda

Stacey Weakley’s second and sixth period classes were tasked with putting together a marketable object, displaying it to a panel of judges in a mock shark tank.

During the past six weeks students chose from the following assignments: developing a new product/service idea, a business plan, a social media advertising campaign strategy or a profit margin breakdown. 

Student groups of up to four people determined which course of action to take.

The requirements for the project were to create a prototype, a slideshow presentation and a tri-fold board or a brochure. 

Junior Ava Farmer takes the class second period and came up with a clever new product. 

“Our project was called bumbrella and it was an innovative umbrella. It has clear extensions all around the sides to keep more than the top of your head dry,” Farmer said.

Once completed with the six week construction period for each group’s project, it was time to be judged by the panel of sharks. 

The selected sharks were school board member Cecil Christenberry, Principal Jon Cardwell, Assistant Principal Josh Howell, Curriculum Director Stephanie Wainwright and Mayor Sherry Sullivan.

“Students presented their ideas to the sharks and after an extensive question and answer session, sharks decided if they were in or out, meaning if they were willing to invest in the idea,” Weakley said. 

Farmer’s group received offers from three sharks, ultimately siding with Wainwright who invested $100 thousand for 20% equity which really means a whole ton of jolly ranchers.   

If students did receive an investment by one of the sharks they were given jolly ranchers as money and shook hands with their selected investor. 

This project’s goal is to develop presentation, creativity and teamwork skills, all important to entrepreneurship.