The North Merrick WINGS enrichment program, under the direction of teacher Mara Karfinkel, launched the first annual “Shark Tank” competition.
Fifth grade students presented ideas for inventions that could solve real-world problems and pitched their products to an audience of “sharks” to gain their financial support. Just like the contestants on the television show, the students were compelling and poised when answering questions about the need for their product, why it was unique, and what made up their profit margins.
Students provided actual prototypes, and the audience voted for the winners. It was a close contest with Joseph Ardito from H.D. Fayette School winning first place for his product, the Pillow Hat, receiving an investment of $1.4 million. Tristan Schulman from Camp Avenue School won second place for his Smart Pen, receiving $1.3 million, and partners Ayden Luchsinger and Lucas Katz from Old Mill Road School won third prize for their FrostFire Bowl, receiving $1.2 million.
All the contestants were dressed for success and prepared for their future endeavors as entrepreneurs!
First Place Winner Joseph Ardito
Second Place Winner Tristan Schulman from Camp
Third Place Winners Ayden Luchsinger and Lucas Katz from OMR
