Sandy Creek Central School District • News • Sandy Creek Comet Crushers Returns for a Second Year

Sandy Creek Comet Crushers Returns for a Second Year

June 29th, 2022 by Jordan Finnerty, PR

When Comet Crushers launched last year in the Sandy Creek Central School District, it became clear that the Shark Tank inspired event would be popular for years to come.

Over the course of eight weeks, students had to complete tasks such as designing a mantra poster; conducting entrepreneurial research; and creating a business plan, logo, slogan, illustration, design, magazine ad, commercial, jingle and pitch. Finally, they had to create a prototype with an accompanying visual aid and develop a presentation. All students presented to their classmates and the top 10 were chosen to move onto the Comet Crushers Panel.

"It is always amazing to see our students step up and rise to the challenge," said Elementary Principal Tim Filiatrault. "Their projects and the work they put into this is so impressive and makes us all feel very proud! Their creativity and brilliance is so inspiring! They all crushed it this year!"

The top three finishers, as judged by a panel of SCCS staff, community members and small business owners, received a cash prize, and all the finalists received various prizes and gifts for their participation.

Phoebe Preston finished first with an idea for a device she called The Toasty Bat, which helps softball and baseball bats stay warm in cold weather, to avoid cracking or breaking. When asked about her favorite aspect of the challenge, Preston said, "The Green Room was my favorite, but the whole thing was awesome!"

Rounding out the remaining top three were Treylen Hunt, in second place, and Parker Rathbun, in third. Hunts idea, The Cheer-You-Up Service, put a smile on the judges faces. The service delivers cheer and can be customized with things like balloons, stuffed animals, flowers or candy. Rathbun's The Wicked Light Up Box is a fishing tackle box that lights up to prevent injury and helps anglers see better when fishing at nighttime.

"Comet Crushers Day was amazing! The students were incredible, and I couldn't be more proud of them," said Christie Quenville, the fifth-grade teacher who came up with the idea and guided the process. "The challenges they pushed through and the personal growth was astounding. I held them to some pretty high standards and boy, did they rise!"

Halfway through the project, Missy West, a co-founder of Beyond the Game Academy and former Duke women's basketball player who is a member of the NYS Hall of Fame and National Hall of Fame, joined via Zoom to talk to the students about hard work and self-esteem.

"What a brilliant way to get our young students' creative juices flowing," West said. "Not only are they learning about entrepreneurship, but it gives them an opportunity to think outside the box, to view objects and concepts beyond face value, while also developing critical communication skills through their final pitch."

The top 10 finalists presented in mid-June to a group that consisted of Tim Filiatrault (SCCS principal), Rachel Allen (HS librarian and media specialist), Michele Warner (SCCS BOE member and owner of Embellished Catering and Events), SueAnn Archibee (retired SCCS Elementary principal), Victoria Lucisano (Child Advocacy Center), Heidi Metott (SCCS BOE member and works for Bolton Land Surveying), Alan Francis (Prevention Services director at Farnham), Patrick Dewine (executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego County), Kevin Halsey (SCCS BOE member and retired SCCS math teacher), and Chuck Lamon (owner, Victory Promotions).

"What a fantastic competition," said SueAnn Archibee. "It was so difficult to choose the top presentations. Congratulations to everyone! You rock, Comets!"

The project also helps serve as a final stepping stone as the students complete fifth grade and prepare for middle school in the fall. All students were able to learn valuable life skills such as work ethic, time management, public speaking, creativity, technology skills, and working and thinking under pressure.

Quenville extended her gratitude to Charles Worden for all of his technological assistance, as well as the sponsors of the event: Administrative Management Systems, Inc., Beyond the Game Academy, Bolton Land Surveying, BioSpherix, Eastern Shore Associates Insurance, Embellished Catering & Events, Jennifer Euler, Associate RE Broker, Tug Hill Real Estate, Felix Schoeller North America, The Flashy Flamingo, Friendship Thrift Shoppe, North Street Nursery & Farm Stand, Odin Environmental, Pathfinder Bank, Sandy Creek Teachers' Association, Sandy Creek Elementary Student Council, Sandy Creek Climate Committee, Summerville Funeral Home, Ted's Gift & Jewelry and Victory Promotions.

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