High school team's marketing plan wins Louisiana Business Challenge

Six teams of high school students earned a total of about $30,000 in scholarships competing in the finals of the Louisiana Business Challenge at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

Teams of two to five students from around the state developed national marketing plans that promote “wild-caught” Louisiana seafood as part of the Louisiana Business Challenge.

The top six teams competed in the finals, which were held Thursday at UL Lafayette. They presented their plans, and answered questions about their projects, for a panel of judges that included University faculty members, state tourism and wildlife officials, and business professionals.

Gulfside Delicacy, a team from the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center in Luling, La., won first place. Team members included Shelbie Guidry, Allie Matherne, and Paxton Zeringue.

Below are the other top teams.

• Sea Food Differently, from the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center, placed second. Team members are Abby Rochelle, Megan Shine, Abrielle Stoltz, and Colin Troxier.
• The Zachary High School Seafood Promotion Team placed third. Team members are Cobe Daniels, Victor Lee, and Angelo Tarver.
• Acadiana Elite, from Acadiana High School in Lafayette, La., placed fourth. Team members are Maddie Brasseaux, Tyler Conner, Charis Davis, and Michael Sinegal.
• LA Seafood, from Fontainebleau High School in Mandeville, La., placed fifth. Team members are Firdaws Ashiru, Katie Carrigan, and Mei Liu. Team members Haleigh Bishop and Kendra Watterson contributed to the project, but were unable to attend the finals.
• LA Seafood, Inc., from the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center, placed sixth. Team members are Morgan Cole, Coby Orgeron, and Nijea Young.

An awards luncheon was held Friday in Lafayette. Louisiana Lt. Gov. Jay Dardenne spoke about the importance and impact of the Louisiana seafood industry. Karen Profita, executive director of the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, offered students some tips for success.

UL Lafayette’s B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, and Associated Grocers, Inc. sponsored the Louisiana Business Challenge.

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Photo info: A student team from the St. Charles Parish Satellite Center in Luling, La. won the Louisiana Business Challenge. High school teams from around the state developed marketing plans that promote “wild-caught” Louisiana seafood for the competition.

Photo credit: Hanh Vu