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Rocky Mount, NC – On Friday, May, 12, middle school scholars from Rocky Mount Prep (RMP) competed in a cash prize Business Pitch Competition presented by the Boys & Girls Clubs Of The Tar River Region (BGCTRR) and sponsored by Corning Distribution Center.

The Business Pitch Competition was part of the BGCTRR’s Planet Mogul program created by Farad Ali, which is focused on inspiring young students to turn their ideas into business opportunities and learn entrepreneurship skills. Over the past few months, the BGCTRR visited RMP every Friday to help scholars develop their ideas, draft business plans and prepare to pitch their plans to a panel of judges.

“The BGCTRR worked with RMP scholars to teach them about entrepreneurship, leadership, public speaking, Ecommerce and investing,” said Phillip L. Jones III, Planet Mogul Facilitator for the BGCTRR. “These are skills that scholars will carry with them into their future careers as entrepreneurs, innovators and community leaders. We want to thank RMP for partnering with us for this program and I also want to thank all of the scholars who participated for giving me the opportunity to teach you and learn from all of you as well.”

The competition was judged by representatives of the BGCTRR, Dr. Chaunte Garrett, the superintendent of RMP and local business leaders from Ajon’s Professional Solutions, BRXKE Apparel and OCA Maintenance Inc.

Competing scholars were judged on public speaking skills, development of their business model, creativity, the profitability of their idea and professionalism.

The winners of the competition included: First place $300 winner, Tatiana Mullen, who pitched the idea of developing an educational platform to teach young adults about social issues; Second place $200 winner, Andrew Brown, who pitched a business YouTube Channel idea to teach others video editing skills; Third place $100 winner, Claudia Harley who pitched a solar-powered vehicle business for food distribution and transportation.

After presenting certificates and checks to the winners, Dr. Garret and Ron Green, the CEO of the BGCTRR congratulated all the participants.

“Scholars, we are so proud of the commitment that you showed and what you were able to create as part of this program,” said Dr. Garrett. “In addition to what you’ve received academically, you have received knowledge that will carry you through the rest of your life.”

“Be proud of this award,” said Green. “Be proud of all of your accomplishments. One small accomplishment can lead to bigger and greater achievements. You never know who you might inspire to do great things.”

RMP and the BGCTRR are excited to continue their partnership and look forward to holding Planet Mogul Pitch Competitions again in the future.

Rocky Mount Prep is a free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter school. Rocky Mount Prep’s goal is to provide a rigorous, world-class education designed to prepare scholars from all backgrounds for success in college, career and life.

The BGCTRR’s mission is to inspire and enable all young people, especially those who need help to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens. The BGCTRR makes sure that all club members are at or above grade level, practice good citizenship and are living healthy lifestyles.