Two OA student teams advance in business competition

(OLDENBURG, Ind.) – Two Oldenburg Academy teams have advanced to the regional round of the STARTedUP Challenge.

It's a statewide business pitch competition that empowers high schoolers to develop and present innovative business ideas. 

OA students Caly Evers and Bridget Lohmueller created a customized sweatshirt that has removable patches. The goal was to create a creative and cost-effect alternative to purchasing multiple sweatshirts. It is designed with kids and teens.

Students Eleanor Eaglin and Rachel Cigolotti created a countertop device designed for individuals with limited hand or arm mobility. The device allows users to clean their teeth without needing to use their hands, offering a more accessible approach to daily oral care. 

There are only 74 student teams in Indiana that have advanced to this round of the competition. 

"I love seeing our students take their learning outside the classroom and into real-world experiences like this. I am so very proud of these students for being willing to take chances, think critically, and identify and approach a problem in a creative way,” said Principal Angela Parmer. 

The regional competition will take place on April 22 at IU Indy, where 12 teams from across East Central Indiana will compete for a spot in the state finals