SECOND L.E.O. "LIONWORKS" COMPETITION
Ramsey, NJ – The Leonidas Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded $5,000 in collegiate scholarships as part of The L.E.O. Program’s second “Ironworks” Entrepreneurship Competition at Don Bosco Preparatory High School this evening.
The twenty-four senior students in the L.E.O. Program’s second cohort at Don Bosco Prep competed in a team-style competition similar to the popular television show, Shark Tank. Students were tasked with creating a new business idea that solves a common problem, formulating comprehensive marketing and substantive information about the product, and presenting their creations to a panel of real-life investors, known as “Sharks,” including leaders from the financial, legal, automotive, banking, and medical industries.
The products presented by the students and considered by the “Sharks” included:
“Watching these students develop their business ideas through each phase of the development process culminating with tonight’s investor presentations was quite impressive,” said Professor John Esposito, the L.E.O. Program’s teacher. “These young entrepreneurs have put numerous aspects of their L.E.O. Program curriculum into action with commendable presentations showcasing the fruits of their extensive labor.”
“The Leonidas Foundation is proud to reward these impeccable young men with scholarship monies as part of the second annual ‘Ironworks’ event,” said President Matthew Perricone. “Tonight was the capstone of their time in the L.E.O. Program at Don Bosco Prep and we are beyond proud of their creativity, collaboration, and diligence in their work.”
The Leonidas Foundation was formed in 2016 following the passing of Don Bosco Prep alumnus Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, an avid business enthusiast who expressed his desire to be an entrepreneur from an early age.
“Once again, our L.E.O. Program students have risen to the challenge and created viable business proposals that solve real world problems,” said Teddy Vagias, Leo’s father, on behalf of the Vagias family. “Leo’s passion for business and penchant for outside-the-box thinking is embodied in these driven young businessmen who are ready to continue their education to succeed in the next chapter of their scholastic and professional lives.”
The twenty-four senior students in the L.E.O. Program’s second cohort at Don Bosco Prep competed in a team-style competition similar to the popular television show, Shark Tank. Students were tasked with creating a new business idea that solves a common problem, formulating comprehensive marketing and substantive information about the product, and presenting their creations to a panel of real-life investors, known as “Sharks,” including leaders from the financial, legal, automotive, banking, and medical industries.
The products presented by the students and considered by the “Sharks” included:
- Secured Sound: stabilizing device for protecting Bluetooth speakers from falling while being used in public places
- 492Tek: self-heating food container allowing students, hikers, and commuters a more cost effective and efficient means of bringing healthy meals in environments where microwaves may not be available
- Gassed Up: mobile fueling vehicles that bring fuel to the customer for corporate and business vehicle fleets
- MD Finder: service allowing easier connection between doctors and potential patients
- Suds: showerhead adapter increasing efficiency of water usage
“Watching these students develop their business ideas through each phase of the development process culminating with tonight’s investor presentations was quite impressive,” said Professor John Esposito, the L.E.O. Program’s teacher. “These young entrepreneurs have put numerous aspects of their L.E.O. Program curriculum into action with commendable presentations showcasing the fruits of their extensive labor.”
“The Leonidas Foundation is proud to reward these impeccable young men with scholarship monies as part of the second annual ‘Ironworks’ event,” said President Matthew Perricone. “Tonight was the capstone of their time in the L.E.O. Program at Don Bosco Prep and we are beyond proud of their creativity, collaboration, and diligence in their work.”
The Leonidas Foundation was formed in 2016 following the passing of Don Bosco Prep alumnus Leonidas “Leo” Vagias, an avid business enthusiast who expressed his desire to be an entrepreneur from an early age.
“Once again, our L.E.O. Program students have risen to the challenge and created viable business proposals that solve real world problems,” said Teddy Vagias, Leo’s father, on behalf of the Vagias family. “Leo’s passion for business and penchant for outside-the-box thinking is embodied in these driven young businessmen who are ready to continue their education to succeed in the next chapter of their scholastic and professional lives.”
