Redmond High School (RHS) students Patrick Beighle and Sidney Counts have brought their business idea to life.

Their company, Hardwood Tees, is a specialty shirt company centered on “making cool designs for an affordable price.”

Last year, Beighle and Counts competed in Lake Washington School District’s (LWSD) first-ever Teen CEO Business Competition. They walked home with a $2,200 cash award to be used toward their business.

To further support entrepreneurial students, LWSD will hold its second Teen CEO Business Competition from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 28 at Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

LWSD students who are interested in competing in Teen CEO must currently own and operate a small business. The business cannot be co-owned by a parent or another adult. To enter the competition, students must complete the application by Jan. 28.

At Teen CEO, students will compete in a “Shark Tank-style” competition for cash prizes. Students will connect with business leaders who are passionate about helping students fulfill their entrepreneurial dreams. Teen CEO provides students the opportunity to:

Demonstrate their entrepreneurial skills
Think creativelyProblem solve
Work collaboratively
Assume personal responsibilityExhibit a strong work ethic
Display resiliency
Create a strong business plan
Become involved in their local community.

Teen CEO is sponsored by the LWSD Career and Technical Education Department, the Kirkland Kiwanis Foundation and the Kirkland Rotary Club. The Rotary Club has agreed to match financial contributions up to $2500. Passport Unlimited is also a major sponsor of this event.Visit the Teen CEO website for more information.