High School Business Plan Competition, To New Heights! is happened, November 12, 2025. This year’s theme, To New Heights!, asked teams to design a business plan inclusive of a marketing plan recommendation for a nonprofit business that makes a positive impact on the common good.
Watch the 2025 High School Business Plan Competition video series below
The School of Business and Communication’s High School Business Plan Competition brought together brilliant minds, supportive mentors, and a community that believes in young leaders.
Congratulations to our winners—and to every student who dared to risk a caring response in their non-profit business plans. Caring for underserved voices takes courage and compassion
You didn’t just pitch organizations, you pitched change. Keep dreaming boldly and building a bright future “To New Heights!”
Winning team, St. Xavier High School
Mentor: Tim “Mac” McDonald
Team: Noah Weidner, Trey Johnson, Gabe Draisewski, and Mitch Haglage
Non-profit: Wellness on Wheels—spreading hygiene supplies, showers and haircuts to those in need
Second place, Seton High School
Mentor: Bryan Cox
Team: Liv Eger, Samantha (Sam) Neville, Cassandra (Cassie) Whittle, Katelyn Wittich, Megan Zirkelbach
Non-profit: Glow Collective, vouchers akin to Kenzie’s Closet to give teenage girls glam (hair, makeup, nails) for prom
Badin High School
Mentor: Robert Schooley
Team: Miley Zorb, Payton Brown , Nick Mangino
Non-profit: Snack Smart, providing healthy snacks to schools
La Salle High School
Mentor: Michael Holman
Team 1: Colin Bobowski, Dominic Daly, Daniel Godbey, Max Uhlmansiek
Non-profit: TutorBridge—pairing hs tutors with elementary school students
La Salle High School
Mentor: Michael Holman
Team 2: Johnathan Danzinger, Thomas Jonston, Peyton Severt, Kyle Thelen
Non-profit: Truck of Nutrition—bringing nutritious food to those in need
Participating High Schools
Badin
Seton
LaSalle
St. Xavier
(5 teams from 4 local high schools)
Judging Panel
Andy Brunsman, MSJ ’10, Executive Director of Be Concerned
Sarah Johnson, Entrepreneur, Strategic Advisor Brandito
Adam Kunsman, MSJ Business Advisory Council, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
D’on McCalley, MSJ BBA ’18, MBA ’19, Compensation Consultant, Ascension
Nune Sargsyan, Chief Development Officer, Santa Maria Community Services
Competition Awards
1st place winners receive $1000 MSJ Scholarships
along with a trophy to display at their school, medals, and $50.
2nd place winners receive medals.
All participants receive certificates.
MSJ School of Business & Communication Faculty
Jim Barge
MBA Visiting Assistant Professor, Management
Susan Cavanaugh
MBA Instructor
Lisa Crews
Ph.D. Chair, Undergraduate Business; Associate Professor
Charlene Kalenkoski
Ph.D. Dean of School of Business & Communication; Professor
