CEL Events Recognize Hard Work of SCH Student Entrepreneurs

The CEL Showcase on May 19 featured more than 60 Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership (CEL) Capstone and Venture Accelerator projects, several of which had already won awards and funding from outside organizations, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Firstrust Bank.

Hundreds of teachers, family members, and friends came out to celebrate SCH student entrepreneurs as they showcased their latest innovations in the CEL space in the Middle School. Showcase-goers sampled “Coff-Tea Brew,” the sustainable flash-frozen coffee pods, learned about tourist spots “Block by Block,” and watched a documentary about the impact of screen addiction on daily life. 

Perhaps as a direct reaction to that digital fatigue, audience members voted RUK Ball—a dynamic two-on-two outdoor sport—as the People’s Choice award winner. It was a powerful reminder that the future of innovation isn't just online; it's right out in our communities.

A short pitch competition took place at the Showcase, with students presenting their work to the crowd from the CEL stage. Sarah Konow won the pitch competition by presenting SimplyShave, “an innovative grooming accessory that quickly removes trapped hair from razor blades, extending razor life while creating a cleaner, more convenient shaving experience.” She also won a CEL Delphi Opportunity Seeking prize for solving a meaningful problem and pursuing a solution with the potential for broad, real-world impact.

This semester’s Dr. Sands Entrepreneurial Mindset Award, awarded to a team whose project exemplifies all four entrepreneurial pillars (resiliency, opportunity seeking, resourcefulness, and creativity), went to Plant Tunes. The hanging planter with a high-quality, built-in Bluetooth speaker combines music, greenery, and modern décor. With a rechargeable speaker and a removable planter pot for easy watering. Customers can mix and match pots for customization. 

“It's designed for music and plant lovers seeking to maximize space and add style, sound, and nature to any room,” say Ayden Garvin and Thomas Bland. 

This prize also honors outstanding commitment and execution—recognizing those who went above and beyond to deliver a truly exceptional Capstone experience.

Congrats to Garvin and Bland on Plant Tunes and to all this semester’s Capstone Award winners. We can’t wait to see how these projects evolve!