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WNC Business

Mars Hill University Hosts 2nd Annual High School Pitch Competition

Sep 26, 2024 12:06PM ● By WNC Business
The Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Mars Hill University announced the 2nd annual high school pitch competition, the Lion’s Den. This event took place on September 14, 2024 at Mars Hill University's Black Box Theatre. The competition aims to inspire area high school students to unleash their entrepreneurial potential through camaraderie and competition.

Competing students presented innovative business ideas related to the footwear industry to a panel of local entrepreneurs serving as judges. This year, seven teams comprising 16 students represented North Buncombe, Clyde A Erwin, Mountain Heritage, and NC School of Science and Mathematics. More than $5,000 was awarded to the students and the schools they represent.

The 2024 award recipients were:
1st Place - Aanandi Thakur and Anushka Pramanik, NC School of Math and Science
2nd Place - Jennifer Rojas, Ava Gillespie, and Abby Smith, Mountain Heritage High School
3rd Place - Andie Barefoot and Lacie Weatherman, Mountain Heritage High School

The 2024 judges were:
  • Dan Whisnant - co-founder, president, and CEO of SDV Office Systems
  • Shawndra Russell - Vice President of Marketing and Outreach at HarmonyAVL+media
  • Annie Woods - Business Coaching Specialist at Mountain BizWorks
Source: Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, Mars Hill University
Photo: Ashlin Mathews Photography