TRIPLE WIN! Kankakee County CEO Students Dominate at ONU Pitch Competition

What an incredible day for the Kankakee County CEO program! Three of our students pitched their businesses at the Createur Conference High School Pitch Competition today at Olivet Nazarene University, and ALL THREE walked away as winners, winning $1000 EACH! Competing against top Chicagoland schools, our students secured three of the five total awards given. We couldn’t be prouder!
Meet Our Award-Winning Entrepreneurs from Kankakee High School:
🏆 Karen Arenas – Ariklare Sewing & Tailoring
🏆 Holden Hall – Evergreen Entertainment
🏆 Karol Santana – CleanFreak Detailing

Their hard work, dedication, and professionalism continue to set them—and the CEO program—apart!

The Createur Conference at ONU McGraw School of Business is a premier event designed to inspire and equip young entrepreneurs through dynamic speakers, hands-on workshops, and competitive pitch events.

🏆 Pitch Competition Judging Criteria:
✔ Creativity & Innovation – Unique and fresh ideas
✔ Business Viability – Realistic and executable business model
✔ Market Understanding – Clear target audience and demand
✔ Presentation & Delivery – Confidence, clarity, and persuasiveness
✔ Financial Feasibility – Thoughtful budgeting and revenue potential

This is a HUGE achievement for our second-year program, and we are beyond thrilled to celebrate our students’ success! Way to go, Kankakee County CEO!


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CEO team members Karen Arenas, Holden Hall, and Karol Santana are pitching their businesses at the Createur Conference at Olivet Nazarene University. We’re so proud of their hard work ...

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