Lawrence middle school student wins Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge

Felix Kirkland, of Liberty Memorial Central Middle School in Lawrence, received first place in the 2023-2024 Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on Feb. 16 at the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. He received a $1,250 check and qualified for the state competition in April in Manhattan. His business Greener Grass is an all-electrical lawn tool rental service.

Felix competed with 15 students who represented nine businesses. Since Felix won first place, his teacher Devin Heath received a $250 award.

The other cash-prize winners were:

• Second place - Quinn Maddox and Millie Newell, of Bishop Seabury Academy in Lawrence, $1,000. Their business is Seabiscuit Bakery, specializing in custom cakes and cupcakes.

• Third place - Cooper Cohorst and Ian Bryan, of Baldwin High School in Baldwin City, $500. Cooper and Ian own C&B Fabrication, a welding and 3d print business. They specialize in precision repairs and custom fabrication.

• People’s Choice - Joshua Eason, of Raintree Montessori School in Lawrence, $250. His business Sweet Scents offers an array of handmade products that are scented such as pillows, stuffed animals and candles.

The judges for the competition were: Jack Oglesby, Douglas County Sheriff Jay Armbrister, Kristina Edwards and Carrie Poe, of the KU Small Business Development Center, Kyle Johnson of Douglas County CORE, Jenn Laird, of Network Kansas, County Commissioner Shannon Reid, and Tyler Lindquist, of Multistudio. Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur organized and facilitated the event.