Local Students Shine in 2025 NFTE Midwest Business Competition

In an impressive display of entrepreneurial talent, six students from our local high school competed in the 2025 National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Midwest Regional Business Pitch Competition. The event showcased young entrepreneurs presenting their innovative business concepts to industry experts.

Two standout competitors, Prince Amankwaa and Ahmed "Top" Matan, secured spots in the prestigious next round, earning the opportunity to present their business ventures in both Chicago and New York City. Michael Ko demonstrated exceptional skill as well, earning the alternate position.

"The competition was fierce, with only two advancement spots available for our entire region," noted competition coordinator Mr. Golding. "All our students showed remarkable preparation and professionalism."

The other participants - Salma Hashi, Lull Mohamud, and Jariatu Mansaray - also delivered compelling presentations, highlighting the strong entrepreneurial spirit within our school community.

The advancement of Amankwaa and Matan to the multi-city showcase marks a significant achievement for our school's business education program. Their success reflects the growing emphasis on entrepreneurship education and the development of real-world business skills in today's curriculum.

The upcoming Chicago and NYC presentations will provide these young entrepreneurs with invaluable exposure to business leaders and potential investors, offering a stepping stone toward their future business careers.

The competition was made possible through the collaborative efforts of several faculty members who provided support and facilities for the virtual competition setup.

We wish our advancing students the best of luck as they prepare for their upcoming presentations in Chicago and New York City!