POBJFKHS Hosts 9th Annual “POB Challenge”

Plainview, N.Y. - The Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School Business Honor Society recently held its 9th annual and largest “POB Challenge” yet. The entrepreneurial competition brought together students from all different high schools across Long Island, including Herricks, Port Washington, Great Neck, Kellenberg, Northport and Wheatley to compete in teams of three. This year, there were 30 teams, totaling 90 students.

This event helps high school business students obtain real world experience by giving them challenging tasks that involve thinking critically and using effective communication skills. Business Honor Society students explained the challenge to guests during the opening ceremony, which also included comments from guest speaker, Ms. Laurie Carey – a former Microsoft employee who now owns her own businesses–Laurie Carey Consulting and We Connect the Dots non-profit.

Students then had one hour to complete a case study that required them to create their own unique coffee shop located in Nashville, TN. This strict time frame had students thinking analytically and under time constraints, giving them a taste of how situations happen in the business world. Teams then rotated between different sessions that included leadership, lunch, and presentations.

The leadership sessions were run by POB DECA students Ben Fox, Madi Stromberg, and Jeremy Leffel. At leadership, students focused on working as a team by having each team create the tallest tower out of spaghetti and marshmallows. This activity gave groups the chance to focus on their communication and leadership skills, which are imperative in the business world.

During the presentation session, students presented to a judge, who was a local business person and/or an entrepreneur. Out of the 30 teams that competed, six teams advanced to the final round. The final round consisted of each team presenting a two-minute elevator speech to not only the judges, but also to their peers. The elevator speeches made the students think quickly and efficiently. After the six teams made their elevator speeches, the judges conversed and decided who would be this year’s POB Challenge Champions.

This year a team from Great Neck South High School came in first place, followed by a team from Herricks High School and third place was awarded to Plainview-Old Bethpage students Dani Wicker, Melissa Israel and Bailey Germain.

“The POB Challenge 2019 was a huge success and was praised by the judges, students and teachers of all participating schools,” said Catherine Tortoso, DECA Advisor/Business Honor Society Advisor at POBJFK High School. “We couldn’t be more proud of the students who represented our District.”

For more information about the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, please visit the District’s website at www.pobschools.org. Happenings in the District can also be followed on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pobschools.