Comets Crush Entrepreneurial Competition

SANDY CREEK, NY – Sandy Creek Elementary fifth grade students have spent the past couple months carefully crafting their own entrepreneurial inventions, all in preparation for the school’s Comet Crushers competition. This competition is similar to the popular television show “Shark Tank”.

Over the course of eight weeks, students had to complete tasks such as designing a mantra poster, entrepreneurial research, creating a business plan, logo, slogan, illustration, design, magazine ad, commercial, jingle, and pitch. Finally, they had to create a prototype or working product, with an accompanying visual aid, and presentation. All students presented to their classmates and the top ten were chosen to move on to the Comet Crushers Panel.

“Comet Crushers is a day well spent,” said Heidi Metott, one of the panelists. “All the hard work and dedication put into the project shows. It’s amazing to see students at this grade rise to such a challenge and excel at it.”

The top three, as judged by a panel of SCCS staff, community members and small business owners received a cash prize, and all the finalists received various prizes and gifts for their participation.

Dylan Ashby finished first with his “RC Power Sweep” invention. Placing second was Amelia Crast, who invented the “Make-Up Mushroom”. Rounding out the top three was Dominick Moulton with his “Self-Leveling Siding.”

“Season three of Comet Crushers was amazing,” Christie Quenville said. “Watching the growth and confidence of the students throughout this project makes my heart happy. They have learned so much about themselves and gained lifelong skills to carry them in whatever direction they decide to go in the future. I could not be prouder of them!”

Missy West, a co-founder of Beyond the Game Academy and former Duke women’s basketball player who is a member of the NYS Hall of Fame and National Hall of Fame, visited the students earlier this year to meet and talk with them.

“I am just grateful to be a small part of their growth during this project,” West said. “Where my role is to come in as the motivational speaker to encourage them to be courageous, resilient, and willing to lean into their fears, oftentimes I feel like I am the one being encouraged. These students leave me with inspiration and pride every time I get the opportunity to speak with them. I have been amazed at the growth of this project in such a short time and it’s only going to get better.”

The top 10 finalists presented in mid-June to a group that consisted of Alan Francis, Amy McCormack, Brittney Alton, Chuck Lamon, Heidi Metott, Kevin Halsey, Michele Warner, SueAnn Archibee, Tim Filiatrault, and Tory DeCaire.

“I was really nervous in front of the judges,” Nolan Wood said, one of the student finalists. “But then I knew I could do it! I tried my hardest and that is what matters.”

The project also helps serve as a final stepping stone as the students complete fifth grade and prepare for middle school in the fall. Every student was able to learn valuable life skills such as work ethic, time management, public speaking, thinking outside the box, creativity, technology skills, and working and thinking under pressure.

A special thank you is given to the sponsors of the event: AMS & John Kent, Beverly Quenville, Bill Webster & Garage Celebrations, Biospherix, Bolton Land Surveying, Budsies, Chad Rousseau, Daymond John & The Shark Group, David Zamarin & Detrapel, Embellished Catering & Events, Felix Schoeller North America, Friendship Thrift Shoppe, FurZapper, Glider Oil, Manny Lubin & Slate Milk, McGrath Family, Missy West, Nancy & Charles Hinman, Odin Environmental, Pathfinder Bank, Sandy Creek Elementary Climate Committee, Sandy Creek Elementary Student Council, Sandy Creek Teachers’ Association, SneakErasers, Victory Promotions, Wegmans, and Zollipops.

The Comet Crushers would also like to thank Candice Clark, Carol Yerdon, Cindy Brimmer, Lisa Maggy, Patti King, Amanda Trumble, Melisa Nelson, Olivia Grant, Shelly Hathway, Andrea Harris, Buffy Peterson, Chas Worden, John DeGone, Jordan Finnerty, Kevin Seymour, Kylee Peterson, the Sandy Creek cafeteria personnel, and the Sandy Creek custodial staff for all their help with the event.

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