Feb. 27, 2025- It's fast become an annual tradition, and the signature capstone project for High School South Business Academy students: the Tribal Council. And it took place today in the academy’s marquee space, room E-2.

The Shark Tank-style competition has students pitch their businesses to a panel of local professionals—“the Chiefs”—who in addition to judging offer constructive feedback, praise, and advice. This year’s panel included Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce (GTRCC) CEO Marina Papanikolas, GTRCC board member Stacey Romano of M&T Bank, GTRCC board member Bill Kaufmann of Kaufmann Kreative, Kean University’s Kimberly Honnick, and Farro’s Tees’ Dominick Farro, who kicked off the event earlier this week by donating backpacks to all 12 contestants.

Teachers Gary Azzolini and Ron Zenker helped lead the day-long competition, alongside Assistant Principal Christopher Peck. The crew at TRSTV recorded the presentations, and that coverage is here and here. Local businessman and entrepreneur Phillip Brilliant served as host and emcee.

Business pitches ranged from services to retail, and students spoke alongside their digital presentations, discussing supply chains, their company’s website, target markets, budget projections, and all things business.

In the end, after the "chief" judges heard a dozen business plans from each of the talented and ambitious students, the following winners were named:

• 1st place and $2k prize: Riddhi and Siddhi Jariwala for Kshetra Trust, a social venture aimed at uplifting people living in impoverished conditions in India
• 2nd place and $1,500 prize: Chase Ford for MiLB Central, an Instagram-based promotional tool for minor league baseball players
• 3rd place and $1k prize: JP Gluck for JG Powerwashing, a service venture he started at 16 and continues to grow

Congratulations to these victors and all of the contestants, and a thank you to the esteemed panel of "chiefs," without whom the Tribal Council isn't possible.

Additional photos from today's competition are below.