Junior Achievement (JA) announced the three winning student teams from its annual JA Business Week, a one-of-a-kind summer camp that lets high school students experience the business world, develop leadership skills and focus on the future. Alongside some of Denver’s most dynamic and accomplished business leaders, students spent the week immersed in one of three “Apprentice”-style projects of entrepreneurship and leadership concepts.
Students attending JA Business Week were challenged with one of three projects:
1. Design a back-to-school marketing campaign for Jamba Juice.
2. Create and promote an event for Denver Cutthroats’ Hockey Day.
3. Plan a midnight game launch party for the Microsoft Store.
A panel of 31 local businessmen and women judged the 22 team presentations on the creativity and practicality of their strategies and selected three winners. The winning teams and their inspiring ideas are as follows:
The winning team for the Jamba Juice Challenge presented a marketing campaign for the Bangin’ Peach Mango smoothie to help consumers experience “healthy energy today, no consequences tomorrow.” Marketing tactics will include public relations, guerilla marketing with a street team, point-of-sale displays, and event promotions. The team will have the Bangin’ Peach Mango smoothie featured in Colorado locations in September, and will share in the profits from its sales.
Team members, supervised by advisor Rondah Frierson, were: Brenden Bac, Castle View High School; Aimee Leyva, Vista Peak High School; Lulu Liu, Cherry Creek High School; Mikias Negussie, Rangeview High School; Dayn Pyykkonen, Lakewood Senior High School; Kennede Reese, St. Mary’s Academy; Francesca Roberts, Gateway High School; Ashlee Rodehorst, Denver School of Science and Technology; Cynthia Sanchez, Thornton High School; Soledad Sosa, Denver School of Science and Technology; Dara Taylor, George Washington High School; and Derrick Trujillo, Denver School of Science and Technology.
The winning team for the Denver Cutthroats Challenge planned an event to build the Denver Cutthroats audience and fan-base, as well as increase ticket sales. The plan for the “Cutthroat Community Day” includes food, games and contests as well as a meet and greet with the hockey team’s mascot and players.
Team members, supervised by Jon Kim, were: Alexandra Banuelos, KIPP Denver Collegiate High school; Elizabeth Barrios, SOAR Academy; Sumeet Batra, Denver School of Science and Technology; Davion Bugarin, Vista Peak Preparatory; Dau Doldol Arrupe, Jesuit High School; Bailey Gent, Classical Academy High School; Lourdes Luna, Denver School of Science and Technology; Olivia McDonough, Denver School of Science and Technology; Alejandro Santana, Vista Peak Preparatory; Morgan Schonebaum, Bear Creek High School; and Derian Vidales, Vista Peak Preparatory.
The winning team for the Microsoft Store Challenge wholeheartedly embraced the company culture and came up with an event that culminates in a championship video game that is played by two undefeated customers. The championship game is scheduled to conclude just in time for the midnight game release celebration.
Team members, supervised by Ahsan Khan, were: Kaitlyn Bandy, Roosevelt High School; Selina Blackburn, Colorado’s Finest Alternative High School; Emmanuel Castaneda, Rangeview High School; Nayeli Chavez, Global Leadership Academy; Chrystina Cheng, Cherokee Trail High School; Jennifer Cline, Green Mountain High School; Jayde Medina, Global Leadership Academy; Do Park, Rangeview High School; Dwight Pullen III, Denver School of Science and Technology; Daniel Raizman, Monarch High School; Alexandra Sundberg, Rock Canyon High School; and Aleisha Yearwood, Gateway High School.
