You’ve probably noticed that your child has ideas—big ones. They see problems to solve, inventions to create, ways to make things better. What if schools actually nurtured that entrepreneurial spark instead of waiting for it to fade? At Athens High School in Athens, Georgia, that’s exactly what’s happening through a semiannual “Shark Tank”-style competition that’s now bringing together high school Honors Economics students and gifted 5th graders for cross-grade collaboration.
Real-World Business Experience Meets Classroom Learning
Athens High School students took the stage on March 3, 2026, at the Athens State University Sandridge Student Center Ballroom to present their innovative business ideas to a panel of local industry professionals. This event transforms classroom learning into real-world experience as Honors Economics students confidently pitched original business concepts.
The students showcased creativity, financial literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking while fielding thoughtful questions from local business and industry “sharks.” The panel of judges included Serena Owsley (Athens City Schools Assistant Superintendent), Paige Parker (City of Athens Senior Planner), Zach Powell (Bryant Bank Vice President), Andrew Dollar (Committee of 100 COO), and Lottie Patridge (Innovative Realty Associate Broker).
High school projects included Bloom Buddy (Superintendent Award Winner), Clip-In Caddy (Shark Award Winner), Fauna Co., Saturn Rings, Ember Motion (AIS Award Winner), and Y’s Bakery—demonstrating remarkable creativity across diverse industries.
Athens High School's Shark Tank now includes 5th graders. "You're never too young to act on your ideas," says one teacher. This is what happens when schools nurture innovation instead of waiting for it to fade.
Younger Students See What’s Possible
In a significant expansion this year, Athens Intermediate School 5th Grade Gifted Education students observed the high school presentations and completed scoring rubrics to select their favorite innovation. One AIS group also presented their own business idea, “Echo Inc.,” which earned the Launchbox Award.
“Our 5th graders were inspired as they watched and supported their high school peers pitching innovative ideas,” said Eryn Mitchell, Athens Intermediate School Gifted Teacher. “I hope they walked away knowing this: you’re never too young to act on your ideas. You don’t have to wait for a certain age or stage in life to create something meaningful—you can start making an impact right now.”
This cross-grade exposure creates visible role models and demonstrates that entrepreneurial thinking isn’t just for adults. When younger students see teenagers presenting sophisticated business concepts, they begin to believe in their own potential to create and innovate.
Quote: Our 5th graders were inspired as they watched and supported their high school peers pitching innovative ideas at Shark Tank. I hope they walked away knowing this: you’re never too young to act on your ideas. You don’t have to wait for a certain age or stage in life to create something meaningful—you can start making an impact right now. Attribution: Eryn Mitchell, Athens Intermediate School Gifted Teacher
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Building Skills That Transcend Any Single Business
The neuroscience of skill development tells us that practice in any challenging domain strengthens the brain’s capacity for future learning. When students develop presentation skills, financial literacy, and creative problem-solving through real competitions, they’re building cognitive micro-skills that transfer across subjects and contexts.
“Watching them present and inspire Mrs. Mitchell’s gifted students was wonderful,” said Amanda Gudmundson, Athens High School History and Economics Teacher. “Each year, they amaze me with their creativity and continue to raise the bar. I hope this is the start of many future collaborations.”
The competition was coordinated by Kim Dunnavant (ASU Launchbox Director), Ramona Malone (ACS Career Coach), Gudmundson, and Mitchell—their collaboration provided students with real-world experience designed to prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
Key takeaways
- Cross-Grade Innovation: Athens High School's Shark Tank competition expanded to include gifted 5th graders from Athens Intermediate School, creating early entrepreneurial exposure.
- Real-World Skills: Students develop presentation, financial literacy, and creative problem-solving skills through competitive business pitching.
- Youth Empowerment: "You're never too young to act on your ideas," says teacher Eryn Mitchell—demonstrating that schools can nurture innovation at any age.
What This Means for Your Family
Programs like Athens’ Shark Tank demonstrate that schools can be spaces where ideas are celebrated rather than silenced, where failure is framed as learning, and where young people discover they have something valuable to offer the world.
The expansion to include elementary students shows what’s possible when schools think beyond traditional grade-level boundaries. Your child’s school district might be open to similar programs if you advocate for them. The skills built through entrepreneurship education—research, presentation, financial thinking, creative problem-solving—are exactly the skills that prepare children for success in any field they eventually choose.
As Eryn Mitchell wisely noted: you don’t have to wait to make an impact. Neither does any child.
Quote: Watching them present and inspire Mrs. Mitchell’s gifted students was wonderful. Each year, they amaze me with their creativity and continue to raise the bar. I hope this is the start of many future collaborations. Attribution: Amanda Gudmundson, Athens High School History/Economics Teacher
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Every child has ideas worth developing. The question is whether we’ll create spaces for those ideas to grow or wait for them to wither in environments that prioritize compliance over creativity. Athens High School chose the former—and the results speak for themselves.
The system that celebrates competition, real-world application, and cross-grade mentorship is exactly the kind of environment where children thrive. Your child’s potential isn’t waiting for permission or the perfect age. It’s ready now.
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References
- Athens The News Courier - Athens students pitch business ideas at annual 'Shark Tank' competition
