Oberlin, Kansas – The first annual Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC) competition, hosted by the Oberlin-Decatur County Area Economic Development and Decatur Community High School, brought together innovative young minds to showcase their entrepreneurial skills. The event featured 18 student-created businesses and included participants from grades 7-12.
Students developed business plans, created financial projections, and presented their ideas to a panel of judges, gaining real-world experience in business development. The competition challenged them to think critically, refine their problem-solving skills, and demonstrate creativity in identifying market needs and developing viable solutions.
A total of $2,900 in cash prizes was awarded to the top competitors, recognizing their hard work and entrepreneurial potential. This inaugural event was a testament to the students’ dedication and ambition, marking the beginning of what promises to be an exciting annual tradition at DCHS.
Special thanks to the following teachers for encouraging, mentoring, and leading our students to success: Tamara Rice, Gina Witt, Teresa Saul, and Jason Ketterl. Additionally, Tamara Rice won $250 for mentoring the winning student, to use in her classroom.
A very special thank you to our judges and our DCHS host Jordon Ruzicka!
Prize Amounts and Winners:
- 1st Place – $1,000: Candle Bug Factory – Devyn Stagemyer
- 2nd Place – $750: Tri-County Lawn Care NWKS – Quinn Ketterl
- 3rd Place – $500: Happy Paws Dog Training – Myleigh Hayes
- 4th Place – $250: Sugar Sister – Kelsi Weigel
- People’s Choice Award- $100: Candle Bug Factory – Devyn Stagemyer
- Best Marketing Award- $100: Tri-County Lawn Care NWKS – Quinn Ketterl
- Best Trade Show Award – $150: Sugar Sister – Kelsi Weigel
- Most Likely to Launch Awards – $100: Muffin Blossom – Maddison Urban
The Best Trade Show Award was sponsored by Nex-Generation Round Up for Youth in the amount of $150.
“The Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge is an incredible opportunity for our students to develop real-world business skills, think creatively, and engage with our local community. We are so proud of their hard work and excited to see this event grow in the future,” said Sharee Dempewolf; O-DAEDC Executive Director
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for their hard work and dedication. This event highlights the incredible talent and entrepreneurial spirit of Decatur County’s youth, setting a strong foundation for future business leaders in the community.
Our 1st place winner, Devyn Stagemyer advances to the state competition in April. All participants have a chance to enter a Wild Card submission for a chance to advance to state.
We would like to thank everyone from the community that came and participated in our People’s Choice Award. We are extremely proud of our students and community members for participating in this 1st annual event!
