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From Mirror staff reports
Seventeen local students representing 11 self-made businesses and social movements graduated from the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!).
The graduation ceremony was held April 27 at noon at Blair County Convention Center.
Throughout the 25-week program students received the necessary tools to launch their very own IRS-registered business.
Sessions included mentoring from industry experts, field trips and a "Shark Tank"-style event in which students pitched their business plans to local investors for financial backing.
Students from Altoona Area High School include: Anna Batrus, CEO of Anna B Fit and Rylie Whitaker, CEO of Revival by Rylie.
Students from Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School include: Ayden Craine, CEO of Crossfire Paintball and AJ Marasco-Keene, CEO of UnderPar Customz.
Kiersten Biddle, CEO of Little Sprouts Nutrition is from Central High School and Hawke Claycomb, CEO of The Claycomb Soda Shop is from Claysburg-Kimmel High School.
Students from Hollidaysburg Area High School include: Zac Barton, CEO of RecBaitz;; Rece Boland, CEO of 814 Teens;n;Ian DiPangrazio, CEO of Prestige Threads; Tyler Faber, CEO of Blair Detailing; Lucas Hatajik, CEO of Blair Detailing; Caleb Jandora, CEO of Prestige Threads; Zach Miller, CEO of Goated Kicks; Peyton Paisley, CEO of 814 Teens; Evan Petrunak, CEO of RecBaitz; Clay Smith, CEO of Goated Kicks; and Lucas Zimmerman, CEO of 814 Teens.