Tied for No. 1 in the world in the Virtual Enterprise International rankings, Huntington High School’s BioSol company had high hopes for the final round of the championships. But the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the cancellation of the competition, much to the disappointment of the teenagers, who are shaking it off and taking it in stride.
BioSol says it’s the producer of the “first-ever” biodegradable sunscreen wipes using only 100 per cent all-natural ingredients that are healthier for the skin and can be safely disposed of environmentally after their use. The company donates five percent of its profits toward environmental research and another five percent to help those who have fallen victim to skin cancer.
“Since the day I was named the CEO of BioSol, my goal was to be a top ten firm internationally,” senior Charles O’Rourke said. “And we were on pace to do exactly that. Throughout the year, we performed very well in competitions against other high school firms.”
BioSol placed in the top 10 percent in the country in the Elevator Pitch competition, where Mr. O’Rourke had to give an investment pitch in front of an auditorium and judges at Long Island University. Then the company placed in the top 25 percent in the branding competition, where it showcased its marketing strategies such as business cards.
“Then we moved onto the playoffs,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “We created a business plan of over 30 pages, constructed a trade show booth and then practiced presenting our business plan for countless hours. All of these components were to be judged.”
There are three possible rounds of business plan presentations. First, firms present to judges at the LIU trade show against 110 other firms, where ten move on to the next round. “I am beyond proud to say BioSol advanced to the next round,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “Those ten firms then presented their business plan a month later against each other. Five of the ten firms advanced to the international stage. After hard work and dedication, BioSol advanced as one of the five firms to international finals.”
Firms from around the world were preparing for the international champions and planning to vie for a top ten finish. The COVID-19 pandemic ended all of those dreams.
“Despite being tied for No. 1 the world, it is unfortunate we will not be able to represent Huntington and prove ourselves at the highest level,” Mr. O’Rourke said. “As I look back on the year, I am more grateful than ever. I have learned invaluable lessons about leadership and have also gained tremendous insight into running a business. I couldn’t be prouder to have led such a talented and motivated group of students. Every single one played a crucial role in BioSol’s success.”
The Virtual Enterprise course features students developing and operating a simulated business within a corporate structure to prepare them for the real life business world.
“I am so proud of our team and everything we’ve accomplished,” said junior Sarah Giarraputo, BioSol’s human resources administrator. “Being a part of Virtual Enterprise and creating our company has taught me so many valuable lessons that I’m going to use for the rest of my life. BioSol proves that when you come together and work hard, you can accomplish your goals. We are all staying connected and optimistic during this time and we’re ready to take on whatever’s next, together.”
BioSol hosted a Night of Networking at the Halesite Fire Department last December. There was food and raffles and an opportunity to see company team members display their exceptional business skills.
“At the end of the day, we didn’t sign up for Virtual Enterprise to win a competition; we signed up to learn how to run a business,” said senior Matthew Gennarelli, BioSol’s chief operating officer. “We’re all disappointed that we didn’t get to finish what we started, but everyone in BioSol is leaving with the knowledge of what it takes to have a successful company. And many of these students are going use this knowledge to go on to do great things.”
The BioSol company team worked closely with Huntington High School business teacher Paige Furman, who leads two sections of the Virtual Enterprise course this year.
“I am extremely proud of the leadership, dedication and teamwork that everyone associated with BioSol displayed, and which allowed us to be one of the best firms in the world. We learned a lot, accomplished a lot and, most importantly, had a great time while doing it. I am very grateful for this unique opportunity that VE provided me. This was no doubt one of my favorite experiences of high school.”