Bright Future

Last spring, eight Thornwood entrepreneurs stepped into the spotlight to pitch their original business ideas to a panel of judges. As managers of the monthly school store, they had spent weeks brainstorming, refining, and bringing their concepts to life.

Akasha and Marwa imagined a warm and welcoming pet adoption café, where animals and people could connect over a cup of coffee. Aleska, wearing a chef’s hat with confidence, shared her vision for a food truck serving homemade Salvadoran dishes, proudly blending culture and cuisine as she pitched.

The first-place prize went to Beryl, whose functional décor concept turned everyday necessities into works of art. Her standout idea was a glass hamburger sculpture that doubled as a coaster set. This playful American icon came apart into slices of cheese, lettuce, and tomato—each one a place to rest an iced tea.

The future is bright. These young innovators are already solving problems, inventing creative solutions, and learning how to work together to shape the world ahead.