Kirkwood High School Student Announced as Finalist in Teen Entrepreneurship Symposium

Kirkwood High School freshman Michael Schuller was announced as one of five finalists for Independent Youth Inc., ExploreAVision program.  The opportunity was given to those teens in attendance at the Fall 2012 STL Teen Entrepreneurship Symposium who have an established or new business idea.  They were given the chance to submit a new venture during the event.  Approximately 100 submissions were received during the event.  A total of 10 semi-finalists were selected and announced at the Symposium.

Schuller’s business idea was creating grips for his lacrosse sticks.  He came up with the business idea because he wanted to solve the issue and hassle of constantly taping his lacrosse stick without losing the grip on the stick.  In attempting to resolve this issue, he decided to pursue developing a grip that would mold to a lacrosse players hand similarly to a mouth guard molding to an athlete’s mouth.  “I came up with the idea by thinking about how I could get an edge on my lacrosse game,” said Schuller.

Independent Youth Inc.'s Teen Entrerpeneur Network (the nationally recognized teen presenters at the Symposium) narrowed the semi-finalists down to five finalists.  These finalists will be inducted into IY's 2012-2013 ExploreAVision program.

The five finalists will receive access to the IY ExploreAVision advisory board that is composed of a businesswoman, an IT professional, a marketing expert, financial analysts, accountants and attorneys.  Additionally, each finalist will receive a one-year membership to Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization.

 The ExploreAVision program inductees will now start, develop and grow their business over the next nine months.  In August 2013, Independent Youth will announce the winner. The winner(s) will receive:

 -A business grant in the amount of $500 - $1000 ($500 donated by Augzenta).

-An additional 2 years access to the IY ExploreAVision Advisory Board

 -A presenter spot at the 2013 Teen Entrepreneurship Symposium in St. Louis, MO.

 Schuller also attended Nipher Middle School in the Kirkwood School District.