Rising Stars

Looking for young talent? Consider Port Chester High’s Andrew Gomez or former Lincoln High School (Yonkers) students Christal Somar and Crystal Reyes. The three recent graduates’ MBA-like business proposals won awards from the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) Fairchester, the Westchester and Fairfield, Connecticut, chapter of a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide “mini-MBA” education programs to young people from economically disadvantaged communities. Gomez won $1,500 in start-up seed money for “Smart Treats,” an affordable, healthy alternative snack made from whole-grain cereals, low-calorie marshmallows, and dried fruits. The second place $750 award went to Somar for “Lit2Life,” a company that turns classic novels into interactive games. Reyes got third place (and $100) for “Sushi Sweets,” a snack food that is made of sugar-free/gluten-free candies. All three included fully researched financials, marketing plans, and product prototypes. Gomez will go on to compete at the national level in New York City in October.