---
title: Aspiring High School Entrepreneurs Brought Big Energy to UD
description: High school entrepreneurs showcased ideas at the 2026 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase, competing for prizes and a spot in the Diamond Challenge finals.
---

[Stories and Updates | Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu)

# [Aspiring High School Entrepreneurs Brought Big Energy to UD](https://horn.udel.edu/aspiring-high-school-entrepreneurs-brought-big-energy-to-ud)

 Written by [Horn Entrepreneurship](https://horn.udel.edu/author/horn-entrepreneurship) | Mar 12, 2026 6:07:49 PM

On March 5, high school students from across the Delaware Valley gathered at Clayton Hall at University of Delaware for the 2026 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase. Representing schools from throughout the region, these aspiring entrepreneurs pitched their startup ideas to a panel of experienced judges for a chance to win $500 and earn a spot in Diamond Challenge finals at the prestigious 2026 Limitless World Summit.

The event, part of Horn Entrepreneurship’s EntreX program, provided students with a platform to showcase their creativity, receive valuable feedback, and connect with like-minded peers. For many, it was their first experience in a pitch competition, making it an exciting opportunity to refine their ideas and build essential entrepreneurial skills.

Congratulations to the winners:

*Social Innovation Track*

**CheckMate**

Jovan Fankmeni, Avery Lee, Jemuel Picol, Eehan Masud

Adult Advisor: Jennifer Vail

MOT Charter School

CheckMate is a community-based wellness platform connecting older adults living independently with vetted local teens for in-person check-ins, small tasks completion, and real-time status updates for families.

 

**Around My Block**

Julian Caruso, Daniel Keenan, Owen McGrory, John Wagner

Adult Advisor: Robert Seefeldt

Bishop Shanahan High School

Community-based app designed to connect seniors who need everyday help with local student helpers.

*Business Innovation Track*

**Athlete +**

Team Member Names: Elina Deka, Sidona Goniche, Lia Lucci, Maria Sanchez

Adult Advisor: Paul Clementi

Merion Mercy Academy

An innovative app to aid student athletes manage their time better.

 

**CurlCubes**

Sophie Tarbell, Mackenzie Ritchie, Chloe Randall

Adult Advisor: Sandra Starkey

Pencrest High School

The First Texture-Friendly Solid Leave-In

The EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase featured teams from regional high schools, highlighting their dedication to innovation and entrepreneurship. Students from the following schools presented their ventures:

- Bishop Shanahan High School
- Brandywine High School
- Concord High School
- Devon Preparatory School
- Glasgow High School
- Howard High School of Technology
- Interboro High School
- La Salle Academy, Providence
- Mainland Regional
- Manheim Central High School
- Merion Mercy Academy
- MOT Charter School
- Mount Pleasant High School
- Odyssey Charter High School
- Oxford Area High School
- Padua Academy
- Penncrest High School
- Sacred Heart Academy Bryn Mawr
- Sun Valley High School
- The Charter School of Wilmington
- Ursuline Academy
- Woodbury Jr./Sr. High
- Saint Marks High School
- Salesianum

Thank you to all individuals who contributed to the success of this event, and a special appreciation to keynote speaker [Joshua Artis](https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuaartis/), cofounder of ARPlans, and the dedicated judges for generously offering their time and expertise to make the 2026 EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase a success:

- Susan Green, Award Winning Author
- Kevin Smith, CEO, Habitat for Humanity New Castle County
- John Dowd, Retired, Diversified CPC
- Mark Manniso, Founder, Fortes Creates
- Jon Felter, CEO, Pureland Supply
- Ted Brackin, Go To Marketing Consultant
- Dustin Parker, Founder @Archie + The Parker Group
- Steve Lamel, Retired, BNY Mellon
- Matthew Georgov, Founder, Choice MedWaste, LLC
- Bob Francois, Retired, Koch Industries
- Frank Lacey, Founder, Electric Advisors Consulting, LLC
- Nat Measley, Founder, Patreon.com

We extend our sincere gratitude to Capital One for their sponsorship and support at the EntreX Delaware Venture Showcase.

The EntreX Lab program gives students early access to entrepreneurial education with up to three college credits. The curriculum focuses on the key skills of idea generation, creative problem solving, leadership, evidence-based decision making, resilience, teamwork and persuasive communication. [Learn more about the EntreX Lab program and adopt it at your school](https://www.udel.edu/research-innovation/horn/pre-college-programs/dual-enrollment/).

#### **About Horn Entrepreneurship**

[Horn Entrepreneurship](http://www.udel.edu/horn) serves as the creative engine for entrepreneurship education and advancement at the University of Delaware. Currently ranked among the best entrepreneurship programs in the U.S., horn Entrepreneurship was built and is actively supported by successful entrepreneurs, empowering aspiring innovators as they pursue new ideas for a better world.

 

[View full post](https://horn.udel.edu/aspiring-high-school-entrepreneurs-brought-big-energy-to-ud)

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