Frederick, MD – Gov. Thomas Johnson High students Melanie Pereira and Dylan Fairfield earned top honors at the Startup Frederick competition held last month and organized by the FCPS Career and Technical Education office.
The competition, modeled after the television show “Shark Tank,” encourages entrepreneurship connecting students and employers. Nymeo Federal Credit Union sponsored the event – offering $3,000 in prize money to the competing teams.
Nineteen students from eight different high schools participated in school-based competitions, then went head-to-head in the county competition.
Pereira and Fairfield won for their business idea, Oasia, which would assist in classroom safety and security for school systems. Second place was awarded to Fatma Mohamed, Moksha Mukkara and Anna Scherhaufer from Oakdale High School, who pitched an engaging, educational, and philanthropic game idea, Habitat Heroes. Third place was awarded to Mackenzie Thompson and Cait Connolly for their business idea, Fuzz Free, which would provide consumers with an innovative way to remove pet hair from clothing. The event was emceed by Career and Technology Center and Oakdale High School student, Alexandra Ramos.
Three local successful business professionals judged the competition; Dawn Pappas, Director of Digital Services at Nymeo FCU; Jose Bueso, COO, Past President and Co-Founder of Dynamic Automotive; and Richard Cauble, FCPS Teacher and owner of Midnight Run Brewery.
The student teams submitted a five-minute recorded video business pitch to the judges prior to the virtual competition. At the virtual, live competition, student teams presented a 60-second elevator pitch and then answered one question from each judge. They were scored on the following five categories: Creativity/Innovation, Product/Service Clarity, Market Potential, Competitive Landscape, and Operational Sustainability.
FCPS appreciates Nymeo’s continued generosity and support of students. Nymeo has been an essential part of this program over the years, serving as judges and helping to financially invest in students’ futures.
“We are proud to be a community partner of FCPS and a longtime sponsor of Startup Frederick,” said Vicki Johnson, President and CEO of Nymeo. “Student participation in Startup shows more than creativity. It shows initiative, bold thinking and the kind of entrepreneurial spirit that builds not just business but better and stronger communities.
The recording of the competition can be watched at: https://youtu.be/z7GfCPfNyqs