Local High School Students Win First Wave Pitch

Salisbury University’s Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship & JA of the Eastern Shore Proudly Present!

Author: Chelsea Selby
Entrepreneurship
Published: Friday, 18 Jul 2025

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SALISBURY, MD – Six high school students from across the region earned recognition and cash prizes totaling $6,000 in the First Wave Pitch Competition this spring.

Competition Results:

First Place ($3,000): Audrey Piela, Autumn Rash, and Jenna Song from Salisbury Christian School for "Sippin' Supplements" (Teacher: Leah Osmon)
Second Place ($1,500): Bradleigh Cooksey from Somerset County Technical School for "Cooksey Lacrosse" (Teacher: Michael Drake)
Third Place ($750): Tyler Powell from Salisbury Christian School for "NEWFIT Same Clothes" (Teacher: Leah Osmon)
Merit Awards ($250 each): Evan Wootten and Douglas Smith from Salisbury Christian School for "Unlocking a new day" (Teacher: Leah Osmon); Adithya Bhaskaran from Parkside High School for "AMP Studio" (Teacher: Jen Pariseau); Sam-Haendell Thosiac from James M. Bennett High School for "Pure02" (Teacher: Robert Hopkins)

The winning school, Salisbury Christian School, will receive $1,000 toward educational materials.

About the First Wave Pitch Competition

The First Wave Pitch Competition is an annual virtual pitch contest for high school students, hosted by Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore in collaboration with Salisbury University's Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship. Students create 3-minute elevator pitches competing for up to $3,000 in prizes.

About Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore

Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore inspires and prepares young people to succeed in a global economy through hands-on programs focusing on work readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. JA of the Eastern Shore collaborates with schools throughout the region to provide curriculum support and educational experiences for students and teachers.

About the Rommel Center and Entrepreneurship Programs

Salisbury University's Entrepreneurship program has fostered entrepreneurial thinking since 1987. The Dave and Patsy Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship, opened in 2021 within the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, serves as a dynamic hub where entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses can access resources, support and opportunities to develop and grow their ventures. The Center serves both Salisbury University and the community.

Funding and Support

Funded through grants from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore and M&T Bank in Salisbury, MD, the competition provides students with an opportunity to develop their presentation skills, receive feedback from educators, and win cash prizes to support their educational and entrepreneurial goals.

The competition featured a distinguished panel of community judges who evaluated the student presentations, including business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the Eastern Shore. The judging panel included representatives from the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Salisbury University, local businesses such as Rommel Group, F3Tech, Deeley Insurance, Avery Hall, and many other community organizations.

For more information, visit: https://www.salisbury.edu/academic-offices/business/entrepreneurship/first-wave-pitch.aspx

First Wave Pitch Competition - Salisbury University

Get ready to showcase your big ideas in the First Wave Pitch Competition, an exciting elevator pitch contest for high school students. Hosted by Salisbury University’s Rommel Center for Entrepreneurship and Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore, this competition challenges you to create a 3-minute pitch for a chance to win up to $3,000. Don’t miss this opportunity to turn your ...

www.salisbury.edu