Sussex Academy entrepreneurs outline business plans

During the 2025 Venture Showcase held Feb. 24 at Sussex Academy, student entrepreneurs presented problem-solving business plans to judges.

Three groups were selected to compete against 30 other teams at the March 7 Delaware Venture Showcase in Newark.

The Shaman team, comprising Josue Laurore, Duncan Winger, Gavin Boos and Austin McDowell, received high scores from judges for its social venture idea. Students developed the Shaman app to help break social media addiction, and encourage students to spend more time exploring nature and other hobbies.

Two Sussex Academy teams were selected for their business venture ideas.

The Pierce Guard team, comprising Gabby Majjul, Carson Gesuero and Ava O'Neal, developed a protective ear mold, similar to mouth guards worn by athletes, to protect ear piercings for student-athletes.

The AreoScan team, with members Nate Silva, Nathan VanPelt and Alec Dukes, is developing a scanning and fabrication process that will help owners of classic cars and airplanes obtain discontinued parts.

Sussex Academy teacher Tim Elmer leads the EntreX Lab class for which students developed their business ideas. The class is a unique dual-enrollment course offered in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Horn Entrepreneurship.

The course allows students to cultivate agile thinking and creative problem-solving skills through hands-on experiences, Elmer said. After successful completion of the course, students earn three college credits.

Other proposed business ventures included a healthy meal program subscription plan, a tool to simplify car tire changes, an alarm clock diffuser that awakens users with the scent of their choice, and athletic bag holders.