Tippecanoe Valley High School students Sydney Petersen, left, holding her dog Harley, and Mallory Bowers were the winners of Fulton Economic Development Corp.’s 2nd Annual First Pitch Competition. Students from Fulton County schools participated in the business contest. The girls won for their business idea of PetMeds+, which includes pet medications in the form of treats. Photos provided.

News Release

ROCHESTER — Tippecanoe Valley High School students have taken the top two spots in a student business competition.

On Thursday, March 18, students competed in Rochester in Fulton Economic Development Corp.’s 2nd Annual First Pitch Competition. For the contest, high school students from Fulton County school districts created business plans and presented them to a panel of judges.

Sydney Petersen and Mallory Bowers took first place in the competition with their business PetMeds+. 

Their concept included pet medications made in the form of treats. Along with Petersen’s furry companion, Harley, the two ladies shared their experience working with area veterinarians and the difficulties that many pet owners face when trying to give their pets medication.

The idea resonated with the judges who recognized the need for such a business.

The team of Marc Brumley and Parker Shoemaker finished in second place with their business, Smart Wear. The two pitched the idea of a mouth guard that could detect concussions, check body temperature and record an athlete’s heart rate.  Paired with an app and software, coaches could monitor athletes and take preventative measures when necessary.

Judges praised their project as a much-needed safety feature for young athletes.

The two teams represented the TVHS Entrepreneurship class, which held its own competition on March 3 to select which teams would advance. In the class, 10 teams competed for two spots in the First Pitch Competition.

TVHS students Parker Shoemaker, left, and Marc Brumley placed second in the First Pitch Competition with their Smart Wear business.The two pitched the idea of a mouth guard that could detect concussions, check body temperature and record an athlete’s heart rate.  Paired with an app and software, coaches could monitor athletes and take preventative measures when necessary.