The “Condiment Launcher,” designed by East Ridge High School students in Lake County’s High School High Tech (HSHT) program, was the top pick by judges in The Able Trust’s 2nd Annual Project Venture Business Development Competition.
The East Ridge team was named champions after presenting their “Love the Launch” concept to a panel of judges made up of manufacturing, technology and higher education professionals. The team, sponsored by exceptional student education (ESE) teacher Nicole Marconi, was one of five finalists in the statewide competition.
The students’ presentation included a :30 video commercial and a PowerPoint presentation detailing the research, costs and projected revenue for the Condiment Launcher which is designed to improve efficiencies at restaurants, school cafeterias and other eatery-based locations.
The East Ridge High School High Tech team produced a :30 commercial called “Love the Launch” for The Able Trust’s Project Venture competition.
The team’s win earned The Education Foundation of Lake County $1,500 to use toward the District’s High School High Tech program.
The Florida Department of Vocational Rehabilitation and The Able Trust partners with organizations around the state, including the Education Foundation of Lake County, to provide key services to high school students with disabilities (SWDs) and their families.
The HSHT program provides high school students with all disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or postsecondary education leading to successful careers. The program is designed to: 1) improve participation in education, vocational and employment-related activities for youths with disabilities; 2) increase their enrollment in postsecondary education and training; and 3) help them identify and pursue a successful career path.
During the 2020-2021 school year, the HSHT program served more than 1000 students with disabilities at 43 sites in 40 counties and achieved a graduation rate of 99% for all participating seniors. The program has a 77% continuing education rate which they want to see increase every year.
The East Ridge High School team presented their concept “Love the Launch” virtually to a panel of judges in The Able Trust’s 2021 Project Venture statewide competition.
Pictured left to right: Robert Rosser, Shalamar Levarity, Ferneli Pena, Armand Thomas, Jason Arroyo.
Not pictured: Ryan Anderson, Dakota Hernandez, Jacob Murshalin, Rishard Noel.
For more information, view the news release here.