Middle school ‘shark tank’ helps students get down to business

      In recent years, eighth graders at Fannin County Middle School have had the opportunity to participate in an innovative program designed to promote real-life business acumen, based on a wildly popular television series: Shark Tank.

        In this case, the local sharks are not to be confused with the billionaire entrepreneurs on the network show. They are civic and business leaders who volunteer their time to support this effort in practical, hands-on education.

       “I love being a part of this,” said Erick Youngberg, executive director of the Fannin County Development Authority and volunteer shark. “It is rewarding to see these eighth graders develop an idea, work through the process, and see it through to a successful conclusion.”

        Before joining the Development Authority in 2024, Youngberg had many years of experience as a business consultant and senior sales executive for major food corporations.

       Also volunteering at the middle school as one of the local sharks is Tony Dyer, of SouthState Bank, and Gabby Dunbar, of the Chamber of Commerce.

       “In our initial meeting, we listen to the students’ ideas and offer advice,” Dunbar said. “Then we return to judge their efforts. By the end of the process, they learn how to build a website to tell their story and promote their efforts.”

       Mechelle Champion, a computer science teacher at Fannin Middle School, is responsible for guiding the students throughout the 9-week process. As part of the Shark Tank process, her students have developed plans for a wide variety of enterprises, including: selling T-shirts to support a local women’s shelter; starting a welding business; creating an accessory that conveniently holds guitar picks; repairing dirt bike motors, among many others.

        “There is a great benefit for the students to have access to leaders from our area,” Champion said. “They not only receive tips and advice for operating a successful business, but they also gain confidence in following through the process.

     “Everyone involved in this program seems to understand the benefits and we all look forward to continuing.”