Eighth graders at AMS dove into entrepreneurship this week during the school’s seventh annual Shark Tank event. After a week of preparation in social studies, where they connected Gilded Age innovators to modern business, students took part in a two-day intensive program that challenged them to design their own companies and pitch original products or services.
Working in teams, students negotiated with “Sharks,” competed for funding, and aimed to secure a spot in the final round before the entire grade. The event concluded with the top four groups presenting to a panel of real-world entrepreneurs and community leaders.
AMS extends a sincere thank-you to this year’s Sharks:
• Stephen Clemens, Town of Sand Lake supervisor
• Assemblyman Scott Bendett
• Amanda Goyer, owner of Sand Lake Merchant and Lake Bound Bookstore
• Michelle Garofolo, owner of MMG Pro Designs
• Kathy Slyer, former AMS teacher and owner of SHAC Center / Sky High Adventure Center Inc.
Their time, expertise and support helped create an unforgettable learning experience. Opportunities like this—connecting classroom learning to entrepreneurship and the Averill Park community—make a lasting impact on our students
-> View AMS Shark Tank ’25 Photo Gallery
