Jonesboro, AR – Contributed – Students from five schools in Northeast Arkansas competed in the fourth annual Thrown to the Wolves competition on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
The competition was hosted by the Delta Center for Economic Development (DCED) at Arkansas State University.
This event, made up of teams of up to three students in the 10th through 12th grades, focuses on innovation. This competition is inspired by the television program “Shark Tank” and challenges students to think outside the box.
“I am incredibly proud of the talent and determination demonstrated by our high school teams in this year’s Thrown to the Wolves Innovation Competition,” said Andrea Allen, executive director of DCED.
Twenty-one students competed, having submitted their business plans ahead of the live competition, where they pitched their ideas to the judges.
“Watching these students present their ideas with confidence and receiving meaningful feedback from experienced business and industry leaders has been truly inspiring,” Allen added.
Junior Donna Mckenzie and senior Jenna Organ of Cross County High School won first place with their invention OxyComfort, which is a tool to provide comfort for those who rely on oxygen assistance.
With this honor, the students will receive a mentoring session with a local celebrity innovator and venture capitalist; $1,000 for the student and $1,000 for the teacher sponsor’s classroom; $1,000 A-State scholarship; free workspace and membership at A-State Innovate for one year; and free patent help, prototyping development and manufacturing advice. The student also receives a marketing package valued at $7,500 from The Solutions Group.
“The creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial spirit on display affirm that the future is in capable hands,” continued Allen. “The solutions developed by our teams not only addressed real-world challenges but reflected a depth of innovation that exceeded expectations. I am excited to see how these young innovators continue to grow.”
Second-place winners are junior Christopher Lloyd and junior Linken Barrett from Cross County High School, with their invention of Sure Sip, a cup for those who are bed-ridden or cannot sit up to drink out of a cup. They take home $500 for the team and $500 for the school sponsor’s classroom; a $500 A-State Scholarship for each team member, and free workspace at A-State Innovate for a year.
Third-place winners are sophomore Jenna Garcia and sophomore Faud Talib of the Academies of Jonesboro High School with their invention of Eternal Link, which is a QR code that can be placed on historical sites such as headstones or other locations, which can tell life stories. They won $150, the school sponsor’s classroom will receive $150, a $500 scholarship to A-State, and free workspace and a one-year membership to A-State Innovate.
Senior Fatimah Kazi of the Academies of Jonesboro High School received the Pack Pick Award this year, which is voted on by the audience based on the presentations in round one of the competition. The winner received $250.
Sponsors of the event included: The Solutions Group, Jonesboro Unlimited, Wynne Economic Development Corp., and Entergy.
