A total of $2,000 was awarded to the students by judges representing the Snellville business community. The five students – four from Brookwood High School and one from Grayson High School – worked on their businesses all school year, culminating with a pitch for seed money at the competition mirroring the popular ABC television show “Shark Tank.”
“The City of Snellville is committed to providing our young people the opportunity to grow their own businesses,” said Assistant City Manager Matt Pepper. “We want to bolster the future of these young entrepreneurs, and by supporting this program, the city is building relationships with students who happen to be starting their own business, hopefully with the intent of opening one in Snellville some day.”
Judges crowned Brookwood High School student Zaira Bhatti Entrepreneur of the Year and granted her $500 to be used to fund her social media consulting business MarketRight.
Addison Curtis of BHS was also awarded $500 to go toward her swim lesson business Dolphin Academy; Elizabeth Lachance of BHS was awarded $400 for her business Cursive Cake ‘n’ Bake; GHS student Ava Hosey received $350 for her business Desserts by Ava; and Madison Worsham of Brookwood High School was given $250 for her family photography business Capture Photography.
Judges who donated their time, expertise and money were: Tim Samuel and Dwayne Walker of Sparketh, Kelly McAloon of Snellville Tourism and Trade; Ashlie Franklin and Sara Hodge of Walton Gas; Renae Johnson of the Renae J Group; Kathy Emanuel of Random Technologies; Katisha Henry of the Wing Suite; and Jessie Mullins of Powell and Edwards, LLC.
This year’s Shark Tank was coordinated by Pepper, student education business owner Marianette ReFour and Public Information Officer Brian Arrington.
