Dreaming Big at the 2025 Glockner Dare to Dream Pitch Competition

Unbridled Creations, a team of students from Russell High School, took home 1st place and $6,000 at the 2025 Glockner Dare to Dream High School Business Pitch Competition.

On March 4, 2025, the 11th Annual Glockner Dare to Dream High School Pitch Competition brought together the region’s brightest young entrepreneurs to pitch their business ideas at Shawnee State University’s Kricker Innovation Hub. The event, sponsored by Glockner and a host of local businesses, gave high school students the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas in front of a panel of distinguished judges for a chance to win part of $37,500 in total prize money.

This year’s competition saw 13 student teams from across the region, each presenting a unique business idea that could bring real impact to their communities.

Meet the 2025 Winners

🥇 1st Place: Unbridled Creations, Russell High School
The winning team, Unbridled Creations, took the top spot with their mission to "turn others’ trash into cute and affordable décor, incorporating aspects of the most charming parts of Appalachian culture." Their creative approach to sustainability and craftsmanship impressed the judges and earned them the grand prize of $6,000.

💡 Follow their journey on Instagram: @unbridledcreations606

🥈 2nd Place: Alissa’s Cheesecakes, Russell High School
A sweet success! This team pitched a delicious business idea centered around handcrafted cheesecakes, winning over the judges with both their entrepreneurial vision and mouth-watering concept. They took home 2nd place and $5,500 in prize money.

🥉 3rd Place: Stink Stop, Greenup County High School
Tackling a pesky household problem, Stink Stop earned third place and $5,000 with their innovative, eco-friendly solution for removing stink bugs from homes without using harmful chemicals. By leveraging a non-toxic trapping system, their product provides homeowners with an effective and sustainable way to keep their spaces bug-free.

Why Dare to Dream Matters

The Glockner Dare to Dream Pitch Competition is more than just a business contest—it’s an opportunity for young entrepreneurs to learn from local business leaders, gain real-world pitching experience, and receive mentorship that can help turn their ideas into reality. By participating, students develop essential skills in problem-solving, teamwork, and business strategy—all while making valuable connections in the regional startup community.

This event also plays a key role in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs in Appalachia, showing students that they don’t need to move to a big city to launch a successful business. They can build and grow right here in their own communities.

A Big Thanks to Our Judges and Sponsors

None of this would be possible without the incredible panel of judges, which included business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals who provided valuable feedback to each team: April Perry – Chairman & CEO, Kentucky Farmers Bank, Faith Knutsen – Director of Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Voinovich School of Leadership & Public Service, Ryan Redoutey – General Manager, Glockner’s Commercial Services, Jessica Kopelwitz – Associate Director, TechGrowth Ohio, Luke Keller – Chief Commercial Officer, Glockner Enterprises, and Adam Miller – Dean, College of Business & Engineering Technology, Shawnee State University.

Their insight and experience helped guide the young entrepreneurs, ensuring that each team received meaningful feedback to refine and improve their business ideas.

Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the sponsors who made this event a reality, including Glockner Enterprises, KFB the Better Bank, Appalachian Investor’s Alliance, Lawrence Economic Development Corporation, VanArt Properties, Commerical Bank of Grayson Foundation, Holiday Inn and Towneplace Suites, Jags, Inc., McDonald’s, Faith Knutsen, and Ernest Pitt Jr.. Their support continues to make the Dare to Dream competition an unforgettable experience for students each year.

Looking Ahead

As we wrap up the 2025 Glockner Dare to Dream, we’re already looking forward to next year’s competition! If you’re a high school student with a big idea, this is your chance to make it happen. Start brainstorming now, because Dare to Dream 2026 will be here before you know it!