Five business students from Seminole State College traveled to the Stonecipher School of Business at East Central University in Ada on Nov. 12 to compete in a series of business-focused events. The team returned with a collection of awards and cash prizes ranging from $25 to $250.

The day began with the Tiger Tank business pitch competition, modeled after the television show “Shark Tank.” Three SSC students presented their entrepreneurial ideas to a panel of judges. Katie Simpson of Columbus, Kansas, earned second runner-up for her pitch, Next Level Athletics, a sports training complex aimed at developing young athletes. Savannah Averitt of Seminole and Ava Freeze of Prague took first place in the underclassmen division with their concept, Savalon, a full-service family salon with a welcoming, community-centered focus.

In the Tiger Trak stock trading challenge, where students manage a simulated $1 million portfolio over the course of a month, SSC students also excelled. Jentrie Gibson, a sophomore from Chandler, earned second runner-up. Kara Doan of Frisco, Texas, claimed first place overall.

The event schedule featured morning pitches, a networking lunch and a guest entrepreneur lecture before the afternoon awards ceremony. Winners received cash prizes in recognition of their work.

All five SSC students spent six weeks preparing for the competitions, including Wednesday lunch meetings dedicated to planning, research and presentation practice. They were accompanied by SSC Business Professor and Entrepreneurs Club sponsor Brad Schatzel, who praised their commitment.

“I am proud of these students; they prepared and performed well,” Schatzel said.

The students’ showing highlights the hands-on, real-world approach to SSC’s business programs.

For more information about Seminole State College’s business programs or student clubs, visit sscok.edu.