The second annual Bellmore-Merrick Business Challenge held on Dec. 16 was a huge success in part due to the participation and support of the Central High School District teachers, staff, and administrators.
“In this business competition, teams planned, presented, and defended a position in one of the five business categories,” explained organizer Mark Melkonian, an assistant principal at Calhoun High School. “The categories included Human Resources, Retail Marketing, Tourism, Entrepreneurship, and Sports Marketing. Twenty teams comprised of three students from each of three high schools participated in the competition.”
CHAMP instructor Mike DiGiovanni and his students, as well as the Valenti Family of Piccolo Ristorante of Bellmore and Roma Pizza provided food for the challenge. The Bellmore-Merrick Broadcasting filmed the event for production.
Mrs. Schum and students from the Calhoun High School orchestra ensemble performed a musical interlude. Meadowbrook Alternative Program Principal Eric Arlin and Director of Facilities Jon Simpkins were also instrumental in hosting this event at the Brookside building.
Judges, community business leaders, and keynote speaker Eric Nirenberg volunteered at the event. Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Carini and Legislators Steve Rhoads and Tom McKevitt also attended. A college expo featuring representatives from Hofstra University, Molloy College, Farmingdale State University, LIU Post, St. John’s University and Adelphi University was also on hand throughout the day.
Winners included:
Human Resources
Dylan Bazelnov, JFK
Surina Ramoutar, Mepham
Retail Marketing
Alex Liederman, JFK
Alex Martucci, Mepham
Tourism
Hailey Boas, JFK
Christopher Dubon, Mepham
Entrepreneurship
Zoe Gleicher, Calhoun
Kristina Shau, JFK
Murad Gawish, Mepham
Sports Marketing
Connor Volz, Calhoun
Izzy Sivin, JFK
Julie Penninipede, Mepham