Georgian Court University welcomed the next generation of changemakers to campus during its Third Annual Lion’s Den Pitch & Innovation Competition—an event that continues to grow as a hallmark of the university’s mission-driven commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact.
Twenty-four high school students from five schools across Monmouth and Ocean counties came together on April 3 for the competition. In teams of three, they addressed real-world challenges inspired by the Sisters of Mercy’s Critical Concerns, with most pitches centered on women’s rights and care for the Earth.
“Whether you’re tackling environmental sustainability, advocating for social justice, or using technology to promote inclusivity, you are embodying the spirit of Mercy and the mission of our university,” said President Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D., during his opening remarks. “Your ideas today—your pitches—are a continuation of that legacy.”
The students reflected the Mercy core values in their thoughtful, creative ideas. First place was awarded to Smokeout from Lakewood High School for its concept aimed at reducing the impact of smoking on public health and the environment. CQuest from Toms River South High School earned second place with a mobile app designed to promote environmental awareness and encourage sustainable choices. Third place went to ShieldHer from St. John Vianney High School, which presented a personal safety device developed with women’s safety in mind:
Winning Teams
First Place – Smokeout, Lakewood High School
Advisor: Eileen Heilman; Students: Adolfo Abarca-Jimenez, Lizmar Betancourt, Anthony Garrido, and Juan Ruiz Flores
Second Place – CQuest, Toms River South High School
Advisor: Gary Azzolini; Students: JP Gluck and Chase Ford
Third Place – ShieldHer, St. John Vianney High School
Advisor: Rich Clonan; Students: Olivia Aldellizzi, Sofia Jimenez, Luciano Formica, and Samantha Farrugia
The Lion’s Den Pitch & Innovation Competition, now in its third year, is a signature initiative of the university’s School of Business & Digital Media. Through the competition, students explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and social responsibility, using business and digital media tools to imagine a better future.
“This competition is about more than just pitching an idea—it’s about using creativity and entrepreneurial thinking to make an impact,” said Jennifer J. Edmonds, Ph.D., dean of the School of Business & Digital Media. “We designed Lion’s Den to reflect the unique strengths of our academic programs, while empowering high school students to begin their own journeys as innovators and problem-solvers. The energy and commitment these students bring every year is truly inspiring.”
This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors Withum, New Jersey Natural Gas, and an anonymous friend of the School of Business & Digital Media.
A panel of expert judges lent their expertise to evaluate the student pitches and provide valuable feedback. The judging panel included Ram Hegde, from The Hegde Group; Carlos Ronquillo, from Garden Savings Federal Credit Union; Cheryl Rivers, Director of Career Services at Georgian Court; and Wendy Glatz-Akmentins, from First Commerce Bank.
From eco-friendly product designs to community safety initiatives, the Lion’s Den projects once again highlighted the power of youth-led ideas to address urgent social challenges. And while only three teams earned top prizes, all participants walked away with real-world experience, new confidence, and the encouragement of a community that believes in their potential.
