TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Students from high schools across Ocean County showcased their business ideas during the 7th Annual “Sink or Swim” Entrepreneurial Competition on April 21 at Ocean County College in Toms River.
Ten teams of high school semifinalists pitched their business ideas before a panel of distinguished judges, competing for prizes and the title of “High School Entrepreneurial Team of the Year.” Finalist teams represented Toms River High School South, Lakewood High School, and Point Pleasant Beach High School.
Each team had five minutes to present their elevator pitch as the judges asked questions and offered critiques. The panel of judges included Ann Marie Baker, Vice President at Design 446; Rick Galgano, Sr., Vice President of Wealth Management at UBS; and Steve Vetter, owner of Burger 25. In addition to the trophies and cash prizes awarded to the top three teams, all contestants received $25 gift cards and milkshake coupons, courtesy of Mr. Vetter.
This year’s winners were:
1st Place
“Earrings by Bel” – Gabriella Migliori and Karsin Migliori
Toms River High School South
Teacher: Gary Azzolini
2nd Place
“Your Friend Moxie” – Makayla Manzi and Addison Gioia
Toms River High School South
Teacher: Gary Azzolini
3rd Place
“Tide Eye” – Dante Pezzello and Tyler Morgan
Point Pleasant Beach High School
Teacher: Jamie Saffioti
The first-place winning team presented more than just a concept. Earrings By Bel is an active business launched in 2024 that sells handmade jewelry at tabling events and on Instagram at @earrings.by.bel.
The annual event is hosted by the Future Business Leaders of America collegiate chapter at Ocean County College, which reviews submitted business plans in advance to determine which teams advance to the final pitch round. The Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, a longtime partner of Ocean County College, was also in attendance.
For more information, please contact Laura Paolillo at lpaolillo@ocean.edu.
About Ocean County College
For 60 years, Ocean County College, a public two-year community college sponsored by Ocean County and the State of New Jersey, has provided area residents with the opportunity to benefit from higher education. OCC is an innovative academic leader offering affordable, student-centered, high-quality educational experiences that empower diverse learners to achieve their goals while enriching the communities we serve. Learn more at ocean.edu.