thinkBIG! Summit Results

Each year, the Veale Foundation hosts an online business plan competition open to high school students across Northeast Ohio. After reviewing more than 100 submissions, judges selected six finalist teams to present their ideas live at the thinkBIG! Summit on March 3, pitching in front of a panel of judges, local entrepreneurs and summit attendees.

 

Among the finalists was Valentina DiCenso ’26, who competed alongside her YouthServe co-founders from University School. Following the live presentations, Valentina’s team was named the first-place winner in the Innovation Track, earning a $3,000 prize to invest in their project. YouthServe connects area high school students with meaningful service opportunities in their communities.

 

Two additional Gilmour students were recognized in the competition. Brody Phillip ’26 and Evan Saline ’26 earned Honorable Mention in the Small Business category for the business plan they developed for their company, Express Custom Wear, thanks to the mentoring of entrepreneurship instructor Ms. Kendall White.