Knightly News

This spring was busy for Episcopal entrepreneurship students. These future business leaders participated in two real-world learning experiences – the What’s Your Bright Idea? Episcopal Pitch Contest and the annual Burkenroad Reports Investment Conference.

Pitch Contest Results in Meaningful Learning

This year’s What’s Your Bright Idea? contest transformed into an after-school event attended by families and friends. Like last year, students researched and planned a unique business concept. After long hours and hard work, they pitched their plans to a group of business professionals. “Speaking in front of the judges was actually a lot easier than I thought it would be,” says senior Jonathan Lemoine. “I really didn’t need to look at my slides, I spoke from the heart.”

Speaking from the heart propelled Jonathan and his business partner Alden Romano to success. The two imagined a more comfortable and flexible ankle brace after years of working out and playing sports in braces that didn’t work. Their concept titled Step Elite was named the overall winner. Congratulations to them and the other pitch contest top finishers.

1st Place-Step Elite (Jonathan Lemoine, Alden Romano)
2nd Place-Go To Sleep (Kennedy Pointer)
3rd Place-Easy Energy Bar (Patrick Enright)

Economics for Entrepreneurs students received support from families, friends and the Episcopal community. In addition, an enthusiastic panel of judges volunteered their time to make the pitch contest a valuable learning experience. Thank you to this year’s participants.

Alexander Adams - Founder, CEO Vigilus
Will Eglin - Chief Financial Officer, GMFS Mortgage
Celia Gilmore - Founder, CEO (Ret.) Beta Community Services
Makesha Judson - Community Relations Advisor, Shell Corp.
Na’tisha Natt - Director of Community Engagement, Nexus Louisiana

Front Row Seats to the Business World

In addition to the pitch contest, Episcopal entrepreneurial students were invited to participate in the annual Burkenroad Investment Reports Conference hosted by Tulane’s A.B. Freeman School of Business. Entrepreneurship teacher Anita Gilmore says the conference provides students a “front row” seat to hear small cap companies present their business models and prospectus to potential investors. “The conference is very beneficial to our students because it touches upon areas like finance, stocks, strategic planning and investment,” says Gilmore. “Students that have an interest in those subjects would gain valuable insights just from attending the conference. It’s an honor for our students to participate because it allows them to see firsthand the work that goes into growing your business, which is the ultimate goal for every entrepreneur.”

The conference made a positive impression on students. “Before taking the class, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go into business, but after the conference, I’m more open to it,” says junior Patrick Enright. “I learned that a lot of work goes into evaluating a business and putting together a plan in order to achieve your goals.”

Grateful to our Generous Donors

Creating a business concept and attending a university-level investment conference are tremendous opportunities for high school students. Thank you to Patty and Carl Newton for the generous support that has allowed experiences like these to become a reality for Episcopal students over the past 11 years.  Not only do the Newtons support the annual Newton Distinguished Faculty Awards, but they also support entrepreneurship efforts and The eFund at Episcopal. Thank you to the Newton Family!

Episcopal grad Allen Stewart '19 was a presenter at the conference. He caught up with the current Episcopal student delegation.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.