Big Night for Safe Strands
![Safe Strands Team]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746814032/splendoraisdorg/ve9rduvfn2wv1cefe8hn/SafeStrands.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746814032/splendoraisdorg/ve9rduvfn2wv1cefe8hn/SafeStrands.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746814032/splendoraisdorg/ve9rduvfn2wv1cefe8hn/SafeStrands.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746814032/splendoraisdorg/ve9rduvfn2wv1cefe8hn/SafeStrands.png","width":1080}])
Splendora, TX – On an inspiring evening filled with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, Splendora ISD proudly hosted its inaugural INCubatorEDU@SHS Final Pitch Night. Students took center stage as two teams of budding entrepreneurs presented their business ideas to a panel of local professionals, community leaders, and investors.
Dr. Kristy Dietrich, Executive Director of Secondary Instruction and Advanced Academics, welcomed guests and highlighted the evening as the culmination of months of collaboration, creativity, and enterprise thinking. With enthusiastic support from former superintendent Dr. Jeff Burke, current superintendent Dr. Bromley, and the Board of Trustees, the INCubatorEDU program reflects Splendora ISD’s strategic commitment to providing dynamic, real-world learning experiences.
Katie Key, Education Foundation Coordinator and Community Champion for the program, recognized the crucial role of mentors Lynn Beckwith and Eric Hagler for their dedication throughout the school year. Their guidance helped students refine ideas from sketches on a whiteboard to fully developed business pitches.
A distinguished panel of judges—Mark Linabury, Jamie Allgood, and Lance Ramesh—offered professional insights and feedback as students presented two innovative products: AIMS, by Caleb Cash, Corey Perez, Maddy Garza, and Carlos Gamboa, and Safe Strands, by Raegan Lock, Rogelio Ruiz-Soria, Katty Castillo, and Ace Rodriguez.
While the judges deliberated, Mrs. Kelly Van Meter, Program Manager of INCubatorEDU provided an overview of the INCubator program and information on the National Pitch qualifying requirements in Chicago.
Ultimately, Team Safe Strands was awarded $1,200 to help advance their product to the next level and potentially represent SHS at the INCubator National Conference in Chicago.
Dr. Dietrich and CTE Director Adam Lira expressed heartfelt appreciation to Katie Key for her leadership and community engagement. They noted that the program’s success relies on continued partnership with local businesses. Community members interested in mentoring or judging are encouraged to connect with Mrs. Key.
The evening concluded with refreshments and the opportunity for guests to meet with students and discuss their business models, marking a true celebration of student potential, bold thinking, and future-ready learning.
