Seventh-grader Daniel Dao and ninth-grader Lawrence Dao, of Lawrence Virtual School, received first place in the 2024-2025 Douglas County Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on Feb. 7 at the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center. The brothers received a $1,250 check and now qualify for the state competition in April in Manhattan. Their business idea, “Don’t Panic AI Tutors,” offers tutoring and workshops that aim to demystify AI, spark curiosity and equip students with the skills they need for a tech-driven future.

They were among nine students, representing seven businesses, who competed in the challenge.

The other top-prize cash winners were:

• Second place – Ninth-grader Felix Kirkland, of Lawrence High School, $1,000. His business idea, Wedding Crushers, creates unique souvenir coins for wedding couples and guests.
• Third place – Seventh-graders Abhirup Maity and Grayson Barker, of Billy Mills Middle School, $500. Their business concept is a food truck, Mediterranean Munch, that offers healthy and fresh Mediterranean dishes, including pita tacos and caprese salad.
• Fourth place – Senior Emily Hulce, of Baldwin High School, $250. She crafts unique jewelry pieces and the name of her business is Vivien’s Customs.

These students received honorable mention and a cash prize of $200: Junior Daniela Pena, of Lawrence High School; Ninth-grader Boonta Singmanich, of Lawrence High School; and Senior Luzhilari Mathurin, of Lawrence High School.

The judges for the competition were: Amber Nickel, local entrepreneur; Kyle Johnson, founder of Douglas County CORE, Kurt Spachek, Kaw Valley State Bank; Karen Willey, Douglas County Commissioner; Jeanny Sharp, Silverlake Bank; Monique Mercurio, Douglas County CORE; Patrick Kelly, Douglas County Commissioner; and Matthew Herbert, of Renaissance Painting; and Tyler Lindquist, of MultiStudio and Douglas County Food Policy Council.

Assistant County Administrator Jill Jolicoeur organized and facilitated the event, which was sponsored by Douglas County, The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, Network Kansas and Silver Lake Bank.