North Royalton High School students in Kriste Smith’s entrepreneurship class demonstrated creativity, innovation, and real-world problem solving through their participation in the Young Entrepreneur Institute (YEI) Pitch Competition and the Mott Million Dollar Challenge.Throughout the project, students developed original business ideas, refined their concepts, and presented pitches that showcased both their entrepreneurial thinking and communication skills.
The class produced a wide range of innovative ideas focused on solving everyday challenges. Aiden Brown created Guilt Free Goodness, a customizable, healthier ice cream option, while Christina Dionisopoulos developed Your Perfect Chef, an app that generates recipes based on ingredients users already have at home. Fallon James designed The Zen, a device intended to help deaf and hard of hearing students better understand lectures through vibrations.
Students also explored ideas tailored to teen needs and lifestyle solutions. Conner Monyak created Teen Connect, a job-finding app designed to simplify the hiring process for teenagers. Julia Preseren developed Style Savior, an app that helps users create outfits using clothing they already own. Owen Tucker introduced Tucker’s Throne, a gaming chair designed for athletes that incorporates massage and pressure-adjusting technology.
Environmental impact was another key focus. Brian Walker created Bio Bloom, a biodegradable alternative to plastic using natural decomposition processes.
Two students earned additional recognition for their outstanding work. Lucas Stringer received the $310 People’s Choice Award for Liquid Calus, a protective finger coating designed for guitar players. Ethan Gubacz and Nikola Jaksic were awarded a $1,500 micro-grant from the Center for Entrepreneurs, funded by the Burton D. Morgan Foundation Startup Grants program, for their business Crowned With Purpose, a Christian clothing line.
Through this project, students engaged in an authentic learning experience that reflects the district’s commitment to developing communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. By taking ideas from concept to pitch, students gained valuable insight into the entrepreneurial process while building confidence in presenting their ideas.