Student Achievement

BISV DECA 2024–25: A Year of Growth, Achievement, and Global Recognition

May 7, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

The 2024–25 school year was a standout one for BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s DECA Chapter.

But what is DECA? DECA is an international student organization that prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management. Through competitions, leadership opportunities, and business-based challenges, DECA equips high school students with critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

At BISV, DECA is more than just a club—it is a dynamic community where students from Grades 9–12 explore their interests in business, develop confidence, and compete on stages as big as the international arena. Guided by advisors Ms. Jaymie Silva and Ms. Elizabeth Leybold, our students embraced every opportunity this year to grow as professionals, collaborators, and changemakers.

Here’s a look back at an incredible year filled with learning, leadership, and lasting impact.

Fall: Foundations and First Steps

The school year kicked off with DECA recruitment and chapter meetings, where returning members and newcomers alike dived into the year’s opportunities. Students chose their competitive events—ranging from business role plays to full-length marketing plans—and began sharpening their presentation and problem-solving skills. Chapter officers, trained by Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, led workshops and prep sessions, helping peers build confidence and mastery of key concepts.

January: SVCDC and a Strong Start

In January, BISV DECA attended its first competition of the season—the Silicon Valley Career Development Conference (SVCDC). Held the weekend of January 10, this regional event drew student competitors from across Northern California. BISV’s showing was nothing short of exceptional.

Our students brought home over 20 medals and more than 15 trophies, awarded across both the Mini and Grand Awards sessions. A total of 23 students earned top-three finishes in role plays or exam scores, receiving white, red, or blue DECA medallions. Additionally, 14 BISV students placed Top 3 Overall in their events, earning what the students call their prized “DECA glass”—personalized trophies that celebrate outstanding performance.

“Our students put in so much effort preparing for this competition,” said Ms. Jaymie Silva, DECA advisor. “From after-school practices to polishing presentations and role plays, they brought their best—and it showed. We’re incredibly proud of their professionalism, creativity, and determination.”

March: State-Level Success at SCDC

In March, BISV DECA competed in the State Career Development Conference (SCDC)—California’s largest DECA event of the year. Thousands of students from across the state gathered to compete in business-focused events, present marketing strategies, and showcase entrepreneurial thinking. The competition was tough, but BISV students rose to the occasion once again.

We are proud to share that nine BISV students qualified for the International Career Development Conference (ICDC), the highest level of DECA competition. These students represented our chapter and California on the global stage in April, joining more than 26,000 students from around the world.

“Our students continue to impress us with their dedication and professionalism,” said DECA advisor Ms. Elizabeth Leybold. “SCDC is a huge milestone in the DECA journey, and qualifying for ICDC is a true testament to their hard work.”

April: Going Global at ICDC

The DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) is the culmination of the DECA year. More than 26,000 high school students, teacher advisors, business professionals, and alumni gathered for several days of competition. These members qualify based on superior performance at the district and association levels. Over 1,000 business professionals serve as expert judges to evaluate DECA members’ mastery of key business and leadership concepts.

It is not only extremely difficult to qualify for ICDC, but even more challenging to make a name for oneself on the international stage. However, several BISV students rose to the occasion, placing among the top competitors in the world.

Please join us in congratulating our international finalists:

Team David Z. and Archit D. – 8th place in the Virtual Business Challenge

Team Shreyas G. and Jason K. – 7th place in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making

Team Benjamin Z. and Aditya N. – 2nd place in the Virtual Business Challenge

These students demonstrated exceptional performance and represented BISV with integrity, professionalism, and skill. Congratulations to all our ICDC qualifiers and finalists!

Year-Round: More Than Just Competition

Throughout the year, BISV DECA members were involved in chapter activities, leadership training, and community outreach. From service projects to life-skills workshops, the chapter built a culture of collaboration and integrity. With the support of Ms. Silva and Ms. Leybold, students learned not only how to win competitions—but how to lead with confidence and purpose.

Looking Ahead

As the BISV DECA Chapter continues to grow, so does its impact. Students gain real-world experience, build professional networks, and step boldly into leadership roles. With strong performances at SVCDC and SCDC—and standout results at ICDC—the future is bright for BISV DECA.

DECA offers students the chance to develop business skills, explore career interests, compete on local and global stages, and join a fun, supportive community. Whether you’re interested in entrepreneurship, public speaking, marketing, or leadership, DECA is a place to grow your confidence and prepare for the future.

If you’re interested in joining for the upcoming year, be sure to check the Fall Enrichment Guide for the 2025–26 school year, which will be released in late summer before school starts, or reach out to Ms. Jaymie Silva or Ms. Elizabeth Leybold for more information.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the Bobcat community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Celebrating BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025 College Acceptances

May 2, 2025 by jogoldfarb Leave a Comment

We are incredibly proud to share news of college acceptances of BASIS Independent Brooklyn’s Class of 2025! Our seniors have spent the past weeks deciding among the top schools in the country, and they had many wonderful options to explore. Students took time to research and fully assess programs and universities offering resources that will build on their interests nurtured in high school, both in classes and activities outside of school, for years to come.

“Many of the students in this year’s class have been with our school since its founding,” said College Counselor Matt Brauch. “In our High School Program, all these students actively leaned into coursework, clubs, and extracurricular activities to identify and then explore their interests. They aggressively chased after these interests inside and outside of school, starting with course selection (choosing where available to pursue their interests on our campus) and through utilizing resources we created and updated throughout their tenure here to explore their interests off campus.”

“Our seniors embody the character, determination, and care for one another that all of our students should strive for each year,” commented Head of School Josh Harmon. “I know they will benefit the communities and schools they go on to join next year.”

This year was one of the most selective yet in college admissions. Many colleges that were highly selective last year were even more selective this year. We are proud to share the university and college acceptances received by our 24 students who applied to colleges this year:

5/24 students (21%) were offered seats at one of the Top 10 National Universities ranked by U.S. News & World Report. If you extend that to include Cornell (currently the 11th-ranked National University), then the number grows to 7/24 (29%).
67% of students (16/24) were accepted to schools in the Top 30 U.S. National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges, including Princeton University, Stanford University (2), Duke University, Northwestern University (2), the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University (3), University of California-Los Angeles, University of California-Berkeley, Washington University in St. Louis, Georgetown University, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, University of Southern California (3), Hamilton College, Haverford College, and University of Richmond. Students in this cohort also received offers from Top-20-ranked global universities, including the University College London, Imperial College London, and the University of Toronto (3).
Nearly every senior received an acceptance from a school ranked in the Top 50 National Universities and Liberal Arts Colleges as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. If we count Northeastern (#54), then this number jumps to 23/24 seniors (96%), since one of our students applied to Northeastern as their first-choice school via early decision this year. The remaining senior was accepted to an excellent program at their first-choice university through early decision.

“While I am thrilled that all our students have fantastic college options,” shared Mr. Brauch. “I am most proud of this class of seniors for applying to schools that fit what they want out of a college environment and experience. All of our seniors chose the path that fit them best at and outside of our school. They have driven this process, and the results show the effort and time spent focusing on fit for their unique interests and talents. That has served them well at our school and will help tremendously as they take their next steps towards college and beyond.”

CLASS OF 2025 ACCEPTANCES

Albright College

American University

Bard College

Bentley University

Binghamton University

Boston University

Brandeis University

Bucknell University

Case Western Reserve University

Clark University

Colgate University

Cornell University

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College

Drexel University

Duke University

Duquesne University

Elon University

Emory University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Georgetown University

Georgia Institute of Technology

Goucher College

Hamilton College

Haverford College

Hofstra University

Illinois Institute of Technology

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Ithaca College

Kenyon College

King’s College London

Lesley University

Loyola Marymount University

McGill University

McMaster University

Miami University (Oxford)

New York University

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

Oberlin College

Oregon State University

Penn State University (University Park)

Pepperdine University

Princeton University

Providence College

Purdue University (Main Campus)

Purdue University Fort Wayne

Reed College

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Rice University

Rochester Institute of Technology

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

Rutgers University (Newark)

Sarah Lawrence College

Skidmore College

Stanford University

Stony Brook University

SUNY at New Paltz

SUNY at Purchase College

SUNY College at Cortland

SUNY Geneseo

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The London School of Economics and Political Science

The Ohio State University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Warwick

University College London

University of Arizona

University of Bristol

University of British Columbia

University of California (Berkeley)

University of California (Davis)

University of California (Irvine)

University of California (Los Angeles)

University of California (Riverside)

University of California (Santa Barbara)

University of California (Santa Cruz)

University of Colorado Boulder

University of Connecticut

University of Delaware

University of Florida

University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Maryland (College Park)

University of Massachusetts (Amherst)

University of Miami

University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of Oregon

University of Pennsylvania

University of Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)

University of Rhode Island

University of Richmond

University of Rochester

University of San Diego

University of Southern California

University of Toronto

University of Virginia

University of Washington (Seattle Campus)

University of Wisconsin (Madison)

Vassar College

Villanova University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Washington University in St. Louis

Wesleyan University

Western University

Wilfrid Laurier University

William & Mary

Congratulations to our Bears! Our soon-to-be graduates have had a huge impact on our school, and we are confident they will develop further into the leaders our world needs in the years to come.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team: 2-Time Champions of the New York Debate League

May 1, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

by Samantha Corsello (Auxiliary Programs Coordinator, Upper School)

We are thrilled and proud to announce that our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again claimed victory at the ESU New York Debate League Championship!

This is the second consecutive year that our Wildcats have earned this prestigious Middle School Parliamentary Debate title, and it is entirely thanks to their relentless dedication, tireless preparation, and deep passion for Speech and Debate.

On Saturday, April 26, the ESU NYDL Middle School Parliamentary Debate Championship took place at Tuckahoe Middle School, where our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team competed. These remarkable students poured hours of time and energy into building compelling cases, refining rhetorical techniques, and sharpening their critical thinking.

A special shout-out goes to Itamar K. (grade 8), who was named Top Speaker of the Tournament at the New York Debate League Championship. His powerful and eloquent closing argument on the topic of Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces brought the auditorium at Tuckahoe School to its feet. Which helped carry our team to a 4-1 victory overall in the Championship round.

“It was a matter of practice and predicting what our opponents would say. Speaking on the fly and knowing myself and believing in what I had to say. Making something memorable for the last year of middle school was important. It made me feel really great, like all of our efforts paid off.” – Itamar K., Debate Team Member

speech and debate championship 1st place award middle school

His teammates, Cosmo K. (grade 8) and Rhea Y. (grade 8), key members of the BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team, also delivered incredible speeches that impressed both the judges and the crowd at the debate tournament. Their poignant arguments, precise rebuttals, and clear articulation of policy impact helped secure the top team ranking. I asked them how they felt toward the end of the day in the Championship round after arguing all day against various opponents all day.

“We were all running on adrenaline at that point; there was a coin toss that decided the topic choice, and we lost the coin toss. But we were confident with both sides of the argument (Facial Recognition Technology in Public Spaces) and went with what we knew.” — Cosmo, Debate Team Member

Behind Every Champion is a Support Team

This debate tournament victory is not just a win for our debate team—it’s a testament to the power of teamwork, educational debate, and community. Our Wildcats were incredibly fortunate to have their families, other debate team peers, and coaches Mr. Lucas Iverson and Mr. Seth Spiegel. We extend our sincere gratitude for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to the students’ growth and progress.

“Familiarizing yourself and practicing debating the topics at hand is what helps the most with preparedness. Every class, we did tons of research, and we even dedicated time outside of class to make sure we were ready for Saturday.” — Rhea, Debate Team Member

middle school debate team tournament championship 1st place award

As we wrap up this exciting chapter, we couldn’t be prouder of our Wildcats and everything they’ve accomplished. This win is a direct reflection of the countless hours of preparation, the courage to speak up, and the teamwork that brought it all together. Our BASIS Independent Manhattan Debate Team has once again shown what’s possible when passion meets perseverance in student debate competition. Congratulations to Itamar, Cosmo, Rhea, and the entire support network behind them. The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next!

The future is bright, and we’re already looking forward to what’s next! As these talented middle school debaters prepare to transition to high school, we are incredibly excited to see their continued development and the impact they will undoubtedly make in a growing BASIS Independent Manhattan upper school debate program.

BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025: Celebrating Outstanding College Acceptances

May 1, 2025 by christineklayman Leave a Comment

Join us in celebrating the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 and their outstanding college acceptances! Our second graduating cohort reached a significant milestone with the commitment of their stellar college enrollment decisions, and we are overjoyed to share the results. Coming from a challenging high school program at a New York City private school, we are incredibly proud of and inspired by their success.

College Enrollment Reflects Exceptional Achievements

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on their enrollment at the following colleges and universities (in alphabetical order):

Amherst College
Babson College
Boston University
Columbia University
Cornell University (Two students)
Lehigh University
Penn State University (University Park) – Schreyer Honors College
University of California, Berkeley
University of Connecticut

Head of School Ms. LaNette Hodge reflected on the list, saying,

“The Class of 2025, our remarkable second set of graduating seniors, truly embodies the spirit of BASIS Independent Manhattan. Building upon the high standard set by our pioneering seniors last year, they have faced the highly challenging college admissions process with exceptional hard work, dedication, courage, and resilience. We are brimming with pride for our current seniors because their impressive college acceptances are a powerful testament not only to their incredible talent and academic achievement, but also to the lasting legacy they are creating – one that will undoubtedly continue to inspire the Wildcat students who follow in their footsteps.”

To provide perspective on these results, these statistics speak volumes about the caliber of this graduating class:

40% of students secured spots at top-15 universities and liberal arts colleges, ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
50% received offers from institutions within the top 25 nationally, including prestigious names like Amherst, Cornell, Columbia, and the University of Virginia.
An impressive 70% gained acceptance to schools ranked in the top 50.
Remarkably, 90% were accepted to colleges within the top 75.

Note: Due to Babson’s academic specialization, it isn’t ranked in U.S. News and World Report’s overall rankings, but it is ranked #1 in Entrepreneurship.

A Class to Be Remembered and Truly Missed

college prep with college counselor in college counseling meeting with senior

Reflecting on his experience with the Class of 2025 and their participation in BASIS Independent Manhattan’s college preparation program, College Counselor Mr. Danny Tejada shared, “This senior class stands out as the most impressive and ambitious group of students I have had the privilege to work with. In addition to daily college counseling classes and weekly individual meetings, they successfully achieved their college application objectives while maintaining their commitment to rigorous senior-year coursework. I am very proud of the adaptability and growth mindset instilled in these seniors that helped them navigate the complexities of the college application process.”

The impressive college acceptances achieved by the BASIS Independent Manhattan Class of 2025 underscore the success of our curriculum and supportive learning environment that unlocks the remarkable potential of our students. This second graduating class has truly set a high bar for future college enrollment, building upon the legacy of our pioneers. We are immensely proud of their hard work, resilience, and the bright futures ahead of them.

senior class of 2025 college acceptances college decisions at high school

Please find the Full List of College Acceptances below for a comprehensive look at all their achievements in the college admissions process.

seniors class of 2025 graduation swag basis independent manhattan

American University

Amherst College

Babson College

Binghamton University

Boston College

Boston University

Columbia University

Cornell University

Drexel University

Ferris State University

Fordham University

George Washington University

Imperial College London

Indiana University (Bloomington)

Lehigh University

McGill University

New York University

Penn State University (University Park)

Rutgers University (New Brunswick)

SUNY University at Buffalo

Syracuse University

The University of Edinburgh

The University of Nottingham

Tufts University

University College London

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Davis

University of California, San Diego

University of California, Santa Barbara

University of Connecticut

University of Nevada (Las Vegas)

University of Southern California

University of Virginia (Main Campus)

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 29, 2025 by sarahpeterson Leave a Comment

External recognition reinforces the accomplishments BASIS Independent School educators see each day inside their classrooms. Today, we are incredibly proud to share the news that nine seniors across our network of schools have been recognized as 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars candidates. The Presidential Scholars Program was established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of our nation’s most distinguished graduating high school seniors.

Each year, approximately 4,000 candidates across the country are selected based on outstanding performance on the SAT and ACT assessments. This distinction not only showcases students’ exceptional abilities but also highlights the advanced, globally benchmarked BASIS Curriculum that helped foster their critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep content mastery.

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

All candidates will now be reviewed based on their academic achievement, personal characteristics, leadership, and service activities. Candidate essays are also reviewed and factor into the selection. Approximately 650 candidates are named semifinalists and forwarded to the Commission for further review. In April, up to 161 U.S Presidential Scholars are selected and honored for their accomplishments.

In the more than 60 years since the United States Presidential Scholars Program was established, approximately 8,000 U.S. Presidential Scholars have been named based on demonstrated leadership, scholarship, and contribution to school and community.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

At BASIS Independent Schools, we empower students to push boundaries and achieve their highest potential. Our challenging curriculum, expert educators, and dynamic learning culture ensure that students cultivate their interests and are set up for success in college and beyond.

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Presidential Scholar Candidates! You are an inspiration to us. We look forward to celebrating your continued success as you move ahead to the next stage of your academic journey.

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

BASIS Independent Fremont is a TK – Grade 12 private school, providing students with an internationally benchmarked liberal arts and sciences curriculum, with advanced STEM offerings. Considering joining the BASIS Independent Fremont community? To join our interest list for the next school year and receive admissions updates and more, please click here.

Nine BASIS Independent Seniors Named U.S. Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 28, 2025 by jessicagrear Leave a Comment

Each year approximately 4,000 candidates across the country are selected based on outstanding performance on the SAT and ACT assessments. This distinction not only showcases students’ exceptional abilities but also highlights the advanced, globally benchmarked BASIS Curriculum that helped foster their critical thinking, problem-solving, and deep content mastery.

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

Nine BASIS Independent Schools Seniors Named Presidential Scholar Candidates

March 27, 2025 by ezekielbracamonte Leave a Comment

Presidential Scholar Candidates Named Across BASIS Independent Schools:

BASIS Independent Brooklyn – Gustavo P.

BASIS Independent Fremont – Atharv D., Aditi K., Luoxi W.

BASIS Independent McLean – Caden Z.

BASIS Independent Silicon Valley – Nicole L., Andrew L., Antony W., Olivia Z.

The BASIS Independent Schools Legacy

Stay tuned for more updates as we celebrate these exceptional scholars and their accomplishments!

See what sets our students apart—explore our High School Program today!

2024 – 2025 Startups at Spring Competition: Wellness in the Workplace

March 5, 2025 by mirandamartinez Leave a Comment

Thinking of a creative and unique business idea is a challenge for even the globe’s most talented and proven business professionals. Give that same challenge to a group of high school students all attending exceptional schools, and the results are sure to impress. How could students in grades 9 – 12 create a start-up idea, product, or service from inception to implementation? One that would also impress a panel of judges made up of industry professionals? That’s what a group of educators seek to discover at the yearly Startups at Spring Competition.

The competition is open to high school students attending a Spring Education Group school and focuses on a specific type of business start-up. This year’s theme was “Wellness in the Workplace” and it allowed the students to think outside of the box and present their ideas, first to their local school, and then one team from each school was selected and invited to attend a network-wide competition. Students then made the same presentation but, instead of it being in front of their peers and school administration, it was in front of industry professionals.

The professionals judge the competition on the feasibility and profitability of each idea presented. Judges listened to see if the teams explained their business idea clearly, was it unique, and implemented the year’s theme. Beyond those basic judging expectations, they also sought to see if the team understood and addressed the financial challenges of starting a business, did they effectively present their market strategy, and could they answer confidently improvisational questions regarding their “pitch”.

Ms. Jaymie Silva, BASIS Independent Schools Subject Expert Teacher and organizer of the competition said, “I was so impressed with the level of maturity in this year’s presentations. Our theme was wellness, and we had students speaking on subjects related to health, safety, and well-being at levels far beyond their teenage years. It really makes me hopeful that they will be able to bring some of these ideas to fruition in the future.”

The top three teams are awarded prize money to be donated to a charity of their choice.

Third Place: Team Wanderphyll
(awarded $2,000)

Team Members: Akhil G. (Grade 9) and Jacob L. (Grade 9)

School: BASIS Independent Silicon Valley

Startup: Wanderphyll: Explore the Wanderphyll World of Nature

Selected Charity: World Wildlife Fund

Pitch: Stress and laziness from schools and offices have caused people to stop going outside. People would rather spend their free time on their phones or watching TV. Mental health issues like depression increase alongside with pressure and stress from work and constant screen time and lack of exercise. Going outside to nature restores people’s mental well-being and reduces depression and anxiety in most people.

Wanderphyll is a mobile app that incentivizes going outdoors by turning it into a passive game.

Team Take Away
“The entire Startups at Spring experience has been a wonderful learning opportunity; allowing us to experience the full process of fleshing out an idea into a detailed framework for a startup. It was a fun experience and we enjoyed watching the other presentations and we’re glad that it was also able to make a positive impact in the form of a donation to a charity. Additionally, we’d like to thank the organizers, especially Ms. Silva, and the judges for making the whole competition possible.”

To view their entire presentation, click here.

Second Place: Team SipSense
(awarded $3,000)

Team Members: Rishik P. (Grade 10) and Aarya V. (Grade 11)

School: BASIS Independent McLean

Startup: SipSense: Have a Sense of What You’re Sipping

Selected Charity: US-India Solidarity Mission

Pitch: 11 million women in the U.S. have been assaulted or worse as a result of involuntary consumption of drugs through drinks. More than 80% of women have reported an imminent need for safer pubs, bars, and restaurants.

The solution? A drug sensor system that is accurate, reuseable, discrete, and is connected to a multi-functional app.

Team Take Away
“Developing our startup idea and building a prototype was a truly unique and inspiring journey. It expanded our vision of what’s possible—from further product development and manufacturing to real-world application. Throughout this competition, we discovered our ability to create innovative solutions that address genuine needs in modern society. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr. Wright and Mr. Biemesderfer for helping refine our pitch deck to its best possible version. Above all, this experience taught us that many of today’s societal challenges remain inadequately addressed, and there is a critical demand for creative, effective solutions.”

To view their entire presentation, click here.

First Place: Team OurIBD
(awarded $5,000)

Team Members: Zoe A. (Grade 9)

School: Laurel Springs

Startup: Our IBD: AI Powered Gut Health Tracking – From Toilet to Data, Instantly

Selected Charity: Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

Pitch: 10 million plus are diagnosed with inflammatory (IBD) globally. 80% struggle with tracking symptoms accurately and current solutions are invasive, expensive, and unreliable. Patients are forced to guess, leading to frequent ER visits and worsening health.

The solution is an AI-powered, non-invasive stool monitoring device.

Team Take Away
“Winning 1st place at the Startups at Spring Competition isn’t just an award—it’s validation that an idea born from my own struggles has the power to help others. I started OurIBD because I knew firsthand how frustrating and exhausting it is to manage IBD with delayed test results, invasive procedures, and unreliable tracking methods. What began as a personal project—a way to automate symptom tracking and detect inflammation through AI—has grown into something real, impactful, and now, recognized.

Pitching my startup, seeing industry leaders believe in what I’m building was a moment I’ll never forget. It reinforced that this isn’t just a personal solution—it’s something that can truly change lives. I’m incredibly honored, not just for the recognition, but for the chance to take this further, refine my prototype, and push toward making this available to real patients. And to give back, I’m honored to be donating my $5,000 prize to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation—an organization that has supported my family and I since diagnosis, and helps millions of others just like myself.”

To view their entire presentation, click here.

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Expert Judging Panel

Mr. John Forte is the CEO and President of VT-ARC, responsible for guiding strategic growth in applied research and development with the intent of strengthening national security, driving societal impact, and improving the human condition. In this capacity he also oversees 5 Innovation Centers for the Air and Space Force, drawing together government, industry and academia to advance research and accelerate innovation.

Prior to VT-ARC, Mr. Forte served as one of the US Air and Space Force’s 5 science and technology executives (EPAs), responsible for advising the command, control, communications and networking needs of the warfighter and the Department of Defense. He was charged with creating forward leaning and innovative ecosystems focusing upon the toughest challenges across multiple operating domains. During this time Mr. Forte also served as an advisor on the Defense Science Board for critical infrastructure resilience.

Mr. Forte served nearly 10 years as a senior leader within the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (JHU/APL). His culminating assignment was as the Executive for the Homeland Protection Mission Area, directing the development and implementation of technologies and solutions to protect the United States against a variety of asymmetric threats. While at JHU, he founded and served as the Interim Director of JHU’s Institute for Assured Autonomy, a center of excellence charged with driving safety, security, and reliability into the future autonomous world.

Mr. Forte served in numerous senior leadership positions within the public and private sectors, including the Morgan Franklin Corporation, MITRE, and as the Chief Scientist for the White House Communications Agency. He also served as a communications officer in the US Army, assigned to multiple airborne and special operations units and deploying in support of operations in Bosnia, Kosovo and Iraq.

Mr. Forte earned a BSEE from the University of Tulsa and an MSEE from George Washington University with a focus in Communications and Networks. He also completed Executive Programs at the Harvard Kennedy School on Cybersecurity: The Intersection of Policy and Technology; as well as on National and International Security.

Mr. Amrit Saxena is the Founder & CEO of SaxeCap, an AI transformation and private equity investment firm, that conducts AI-levered buyouts and transforms enterprises with AI & automation technology. Additionally, he has successfully founded & sold two AI companies (Stella.ai, Fancy That) and is an active angel investor in data, AI, and enterprise software companies in the Silicon Valley, investing in 300+ early stage technology companies (including being an early investor in companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, Figure, Perplexity, SpaceX, Palantir, etc.).

Prior to SaxeCap, Amrit founded and scaled Stella, a talent sourcing AI company, to over 150 large enterprise clients (including 10% of the Fortune 500), leading technology (data science, product, engineering, etc.) and operations (pre-sales, client integrations, etc.). Stella was sold to Cornell Capital and Trilantic Capital Partners in a $1B+ private equity transaction in 2021. Additionally, Amrit founded, scaled, and sold Fancy That, a retail AI company, to Palantir (NYSE: PLTR) in 2015. Between his two AI startups, Amrit has experience buying a company, selling two companies, and scaling teams from 0 to 50+ people. Amrit previously worked at Bain & Company, Groupon, AmEx, and e2e Analytics and taught and researched AI at Stanford & MIT.

He received his B.S. in Computer Science with a concentration in Artificial Intelligence and M.S. in Management Science & Engineering with a concentration in Operations Research, both from Stanford University with Distinction. Additionally, he has garnered numerous accolades, including being awarded 7 U.S. patents (relating to AI and optimization), a three time finalist in the United States of America Mathematical Olympiad (USAMO), winner of the American Mathematics Competition (AMC), finalist in the United States Physics Olympiad (USAPhO), Congressional Award Gold Medalist, Research Science Institute (RSI) Scholar, American Regions Math League (ARML) winner, and was selected for the President’s Award for Academic Excellence and the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society while at Stanford.

Mr. Ken Snyder serves as the Executive Director of the Shingo Institute and as a Senior Lecturer in the department of Marketing, Strategy, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship (MSLE) of the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. He has regularly taught the business planning course in the Entrepreneurship program.

Mr. Snyder earned an MBA from the Harvard Graduate School of Business in 1980 with an emphasis in international business. Immediately after graduation, Mr. Snyder joined a Japanese electronics manufacturing company and led the startup of its U.S. affiliate company as plant manager, CFO, and later president of that company.

Mr. Snyder then raised money to launch a venture startup company which ultimately was unsuccessful. Mr. Snyder then led a corporate-backed startup company, Progressive Impressions International (PII) in Bloomington, Illinois. Following this successful startup, Mr. Snyder then led a corporate venture capital fund within Taylor Corporation.

Before joining the Huntsman School, Mr. Snyder was president of Marketing Communication Inc., an operating division of Taylor Corporation, where he directed a group of six companies while growing revenues from $25 million to over $80 million. He joined the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business in 2008.