North Shore’s Virtual Enterprise Class Gets Gold
North Shore sweeps in their first year of running a Virtual Enterprise Class with their firm named VitalBite. VitalBite, a wellness gum company focused on delivering active ingredients to reduce stress, anxiety and build immunity, garnered three awards at the business plan competition and trade show hosted by Long Island University in Brookville on January 8th, 2025.
North Shore's VitalBite firm was one of 60 teams to win a Gold Award for Best Booth Design, a Gold Award for best Sales Material Competition and a Silver Award for best Sales Pitch Competition. The firm's C-Suite team includes Gianna Stella (CEO), Paul Panagos (COO), Maria Michael (CFO), Polina Semenko (Sales Director) and Julianna Gaeta (Marketing Director).
Superintendent Dr. Chris Zublionis said, “In response to student demand, the District worked hard to expand the business program this year by finding efficiencies which allowed an existing teaching position to be converted into a business position. Additionally, certain extracurricular clubs were converted into new business clubs for students. Way to go Viking Virtual Entrepreneurs!”
The 2025 two-day regional conference and exhibition draws more than 2,000 students, educators and business leaders with over 100 firms representing the virtual economy. Teams compete for their booth design, sales pitches and more. "The VE trade show and business plan competition is an excellent way for students to challenge themselves and demonstrate their business expertise. Northshore's students apply sophisticated business acumen by creating an original business plan and presenting it to a panel of judges. This opportunity not only provides valuable real word experience but motivates students to showcase their best practices in a competitive environment." said Ms. Sandback, a business teacher at North Shore.
Virtual Enterprise is a global program that since 1996, has prepared over 200,000 young people through authentic business experiences that allow for fulfilling financially secure futures. Teams from across the country participate in local and regional competitions to then qualify for nationals. Their competitions represent an opportunity for the VE community to motivate and reward its best performing VE teams and build momentum for a fast growing, unique program.
Principal Eric Contreras said, “This is very impressive. Ms. Sandback’s expertise, mentorship, and support of her students in our business classes and advisement of the Virtual Enterprise program have provided our students the opportunity to shine at this competition. I recently saw the students in preparation and was impressed by their business acumen, marketing knowledge and creative skills in creating a product that has tremendous business growth potential. Congratulations on sweeping at this event.”
Go Vikings Go!
Article and photos provided by Ms. Lauren Sandback
HS Business Education Teacher