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An article from the Panther Post:

The Panther Pit: Hoosick Falls’ Shark Tank

By Emma Kelly 

Hoosick Falls is known as a small, close-knit, and supportive community. We are known for our phenomenal school, success in academics, our talented performing arts program, successful sports teams, band concerts, and delicious diners. It is hard to overlook these positive aspects of our community with the abundance of “I love Hoosick” pins and prideful parades of sports teams. Although, upon viewing the empty buildings lining our streets, it is obvious that there is something that our town does lack…small businesses. There are some great businesses and with more economic development, our town could be even more prosperous!

 

In response to this absence, students in our school have formulated their own version of the popular reality show, Shark Tank. Shark Tank is a TV show on ABC in which entrepreneurs hope to transform their dreams into reality. They present their ideas to a panel of five successful industrialists who turned their own ideas into lucrative empires. The main goal of the contestant is to get one of these “sharks” to invest in one of their ideas and spring it to life. Students modeled their competition after this popular show and titled it “Panther Pit.” The Panther Pit is composed of high-school students who have produced their own product ideas. They will present their ideas to the Local Development Corporation (LDC).

 

The LDC is a Hoosick Falls non-profit organization that operates with the intent of improving the town and spurring economic development. This organization is sponsoring Panther Pit. On Thursday, March 24h, a practice run will be conducted. Students will present their proposals to the “Pit” on Friday, April 15th. This competition is not only unique, but also a valuable experience for the students involved. Students worked in groups, formulated an idea for a unique product, and created a business plan. This competition is not only effective, but also seems to be enjoyed by students. Senior, Katherine Disorda, expressed that “We love doing this because we are allowed to get as creative as we want!” The Panther Pit serves as yet another productive and unique facet of our school and community. Mrs. Jachym helped to organize this competition and has high hopes for this project, “Some of the students have come up with viable and really cool ideas. I am hoping that our school will offer a half/full year entrepreneur class next year. The students are really enjoying this!”