Dare to Dream awards $41,000 to High School Entrepreneurs!

Last Tuesday, the SSU Kricker Innovation Hub hosted the 2024 Glockner Dare to Dream High School Business Pitch Competition. Fourteen teams from six area high schools competed for a total of $41,000 in cash prizes thanks to the generous support of program sponsors such as Glockner Enterprises, Westren Advantage, Kentucky Farmer’s Bank, the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, the Appalachian Investor’s Alliance, Triple J Restaurants, SFR Restaurant Group, Tom Wolf, the Commercial Bank of Grayson, and Towneplace Suites of Ironton.

Taking home first place and $6,000 was Blazin’ Butter, a team from Minford High School. Blazin’ Butter used 3-D printing technology to create a device to heat butter to its optimal serving temperature and slice it using precise measurements.

Blazin’ Butter of Minford High School took home 1st Place at the 2024 Glockner Dare to Dream.

Second place and $5,500 went to Queens Creations of Russell High School. Third place and $5,000 went to Court Track of South Webster High School. Fourth place and $4,500 went to Waste Caste of Green High School. Fifth place and $4,000 went to Roomies of Boyd County High School.

The judges for the program, including April Perry (Chairwoman and CEO of Kentucky Farmer’s Bank), Steve Moore (President and CEO of Veolia), Chris Schaffer (Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs at SSU), Eric Fisher (President and CEO of Ashland Investor’s Alliance), Luke Keller (Vice President and Director of Finance/Insurance at Glockner), and Faith Knutsen (Director of Social Innovation at OU Voinovich School of Leadership) walked away impressed by all the student presentations.

“Dare to Dream wasn't just a competition; it was a testament to the belief that young minds can drive meaningful change,” said Hub Director Amanda Hedrick. “High school students from diverse backgrounds and disciplines came together to share their unique visions for the future. The competition aimed to empower these students, providing them with the tools and confidence needed to turn their dreams into reality.”

“The pitches presented at Dare to Dream were nothing short of remarkable. From sustainable technologies to social impact initiatives, the breadth of ideas showcased the depth of creativity within the high school community. Each team brought a distinct perspective, highlighting the diversity of thought and passion among the next generation of innovators.”