(Ellwood City, PA) Ten Riverside or Lincoln high school students participated in Butler County Community College’s Riv-Ell Entrepreneurship program in 2024-2025. They earned 16 transferrable college credits and BC3’s workplace certificate in entrepreneurship upon completing the program that required a capstone-project business plan.
Students presented business plans May 5 in Lincoln’s library.
About Riv-Ell’s Class of 2025, their business plans and extra-curricular activities:
Shaelyn Freed, Lincoln. “Little Miracle Imaging,” a traveling ultrasound business with 3D and 4D technology. Clientele may include women with high-risk pregnancies or without transportation. Freed’s research showed estimated startup costs to be $81,110, which would include $31,000 for a van and $25,000 for a portable sonography machine. Freed plays golf at Lincoln.
Austin Haley, Riverside. “Summit-Seekers,” an adventure park with climbing walls, an indoor rope course and a clothing and equipment store. Haley’s research showed the first climbing gym opened in Seattle in 1987 and that climbing sports today are a $1 billion industry. Haley participates in archery and musical theater at Riverside and is a member of the Teen Leadership Club and National Honor Society.
Gaetano Hunter, Lincoln. “Backwood Box,” a subscription service that delivers to outdoors enthusiasts monthly surprise gifts such as fire starters, pocket tools and headlamps. Hunter’s research showed the advantages of becoming partners with other suppliers to procure deals on products. Hunter participates in track and field at Lincoln and is a member of 4-H, the National Honor Society, History Club and Student Council.
Caitlin Kreitzer, Lincoln. “Tackle Tech: Charge, Catch, Conquer,” a tackle box outfitted with a charging station and a fish finder. Kreitzer plays football, basketball, volleyball and softball at Lincoln and is a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society.
Samuel Landis, Lincoln. “Fit-Trax,” a smartwatch with multilayer health sensor, a one-size-fits-all silicone-based band and a companion app that provides its wearer with a daily workout or meal plan and summaries of performance. Landis’ research showed the market for wearable technology increased when COVID-19 closed fitness centers. Landis plays play baseball and golf at Lincoln, is president of the Ellwood City Culture Club and is senior class vice president.
Holly Palmer, Lincoln. “Mani-Matic,” a robotic kit that paints fingernails and toenails with an app that allows its user to select colors and designs. Palmer’s research showed aura nails, chrome, French manicures and tedious designs are trending in what was a $295 billion nail care industry in 2023. Palmer is a cheerleader at Lincoln, is treasurer of the Save Club and a member of Student Council and the Spanish Club.
Sara Schwarz, Lincoln. “Cinderella’s Closet,” an online business that upscales used female clothing with embroidery, mesh or fabric paint and returns the garments to the customer. Schwarz plays softball at Lincoln and is a member of the National Honor Society and Student Council.
Chuckie Schweinsberg, Lincoln. “Ideal Athlete,” an app that would enable high school athletes to post their highlights to be viewed by college coaches and scouts. The future of scouting may be more online than in person, Schweinsberg’s research showed. Schweinsberg plays basketball at Lincoln.
Drew Steffler, Lincoln. “FindMyFitness,” an app that tracks its user’s fitness goals and activities and employs artificial intelligence to help find routes to walk, run, hike or bike. Steffler’s research showed a possible weakness of initial user trust. Steffer is a member of Lincoln’s track and cross-country teams.
Romy Westlund, Lincoln. “Prom Preview,” an app that would allow customers to view inventory at local shops and include technology to sample a fitting through their cellphone. Westlund’s research showed the busiest months for dress shops are February, March and April and the price for gowns range from $500 to $1,500. Westlund plays golf at Lincoln and is a member of Student Council and the French Club.
