On Friday, November 11, sophomore Kathryn Coughlin attended the Teen Pitch Tank Awards at the Enspire 2016 Conference after finishing among the top five in the contest. Kathryn was awarded a Microsoft Surface 3 tablet, a year’s supply of Coca Cola, 150 dollars, and the potential for a partial scholarship to Cleveland State University. She earned a spot among the finalists in part through the enthusiastic support of WJ community members who voted for her.

Kathryn had submitted her novel idea, “The CoSkin,” which involves putting coconut oil into a fastskin swimsuit for longer wear and faster speed at an affordable cost. She explained the final decision-making process: “At the ceremony, the top twenty were all recognized, and and then the top five were called up, got their awards, and sat at a table with microphones. Different judges asked us questions, and we explained our ideas.” The judges recognized Kathryn’s initiative and hard work that resulted in a concept that could change the swimming industry.

Fellow classmate Cassidy Wilmoth (‘17) commented, “I think it is so cool that a sophomore in our school won this competition and got to witness this unique experience.”

In addition to winning the top prize with her inventive idea, Kathryn took part in a panel to talk about her business plan with the other winners of the contest. Mrs. Kristin Dowling, Entrepreneurship teacher, attended the award ceremony with Kathryn, and noted, “Kathryn did a really great job. She received her award and then went up on stage with the other top five winners and answered questions about the contest like ‘What was the most fun part of the contest?” and ‘What advice do you have for others?'”

Kathryn pursued her entrepreneurial dreams through this contest and will continue to invent and inspire. She stated, “I was so excited to get into the top five, and this whole experience has been amazing. I got to meet a lot of amazing people. I hope to enter one more competition early next year and then think about actually launching the idea. Also, I want to get the idea patented.”