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Eco-Friendly Innovations Earn Holy Family Teams Top Spots at Youtopia Competition

Holy Family students showcased their entrepreneurial skills at the virtual Youtopia competition on December 9, hosted by Youthrive. The event, organized by Enactus Windsor students from the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business, challenges Ontario students to create and present eco-friendly, socially conscious business ideas.

The journey began when Holy Family’s Grade 7/8 students embarked on a ten-week Youthrive program, where they formed groups to create micro-businesses from the ground up. Each group developed skills in marketing, budgeting, product development, and presentation, culminating in group pitches to a panel of mentors. Two standout projects were chosen to represent Holy Family at the Youtopia competition, competing against peers from St. Anne, St. Peter Canisius, and Northstar High School.

Holy Family’s team, Wilderness Coasters, earned first place for their handcrafted wooden coasters made from recycled materials. Designed to protect furniture while promoting sustainability, their product impressed judges with its quality and market appeal. “Our mission is to use recycled wood to make enticing and long-lasting coasters, reducing pollution and protecting furniture,” explained team member Manny D during their winning presentation. Their polished pitch, innovative design, and collaborative effort secured the team a $400 prize, which they generously shared with the second-place team in the spirit of collaboration and community.

(Photo L – R) Michael T; Nash L; Ryder K; and Manny D

The second-place team from Holy Family, Nichael’s, showcased creative recycling by transforming coffee stir sticks and popsicle sticks into pencil cases and fidget toys. Their designs, including a superhero-themed pencil case and a shopping cart-inspired model, captured the spirit of sustainability and creativity that defines the competition.

Other Holy Family projects included sugar scrubs, birdhouses, biodegradable planting pots, and candles, highlighting the students’ ingenuity and dedication. “The best part wasn’t even that they won; it was the joy and pure excitement on their faces when they heard their names called,” said Zak Rybansky, Grade 7/8 teacher and program organizer. “Their professionalism, preparedness, and enthusiasm were evident throughout the project. Seeing them feel validated in their ideas and efforts was a truly unforgettable moment.”

Superintendent of Education Michelle Sawa praised the students, saying, “The innovative ideas and hard work demonstrated by our Holy Family students are a testament to their commitment to creating a better future. Their success at the Youtopia competition exemplifies the values of sustainability and creativity that are central to St. Clair Catholic’s mission.”

The competition allowed students to explore entrepreneurial pathways while developing essential skills in teamwork, marketing, and presentation. The Holy Family students left the competition feeling empowered to take on entrepreneurship, inspired by their success and the collaborative spirit they demonstrated.