FBLA Team Creates First-Place Invention at “Pitch it to Win It” Competition
The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students at Miller Place High School in the Miller Place School District has proudly claimed first place in the New York State “Pitch It To Win It” competition by showcasing innovation, entrepreneurship and technical creativity through their original invention.
“We’re incredibly proud of the FBLA team for standing out in this prestigious competition with their incredible invention and creativity,” said Miller Place School District Superintendent of Schools Seth Lipshie. “Their ingenuity, teamwork, and dedication truly raised the bar and each of them is deserving of this recognition.”
Seniors Nick Vallary and Erin Felser led the team to victory with their groundbreaking invention, MasterKey: an external device that transforms any standard piano into a player piano without requiring any physical modification to the instrument. Their invention impressed judges for its practicality, market potential and seamless integration with existing musical equipment.
MasterKey not only exemplifies cutting-edge thinking but also holds promise for broad application in both educational and entertainment settings, providing musicians, instructors, and music lovers with a cost-effective way to automate piano performances.
The “Pitch It To Win It” competition challenges high school students across New York to conceive, develop, and pitch innovative business or product ideas to a panel of industry and academic judges. The Miller Place FBLA team’s first-place finish marks a significant achievement and highlights the school’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial thinking and real-world problem-solving skills.
For more information about the Miller Place School District, please visit the District’s website at www.millerplace.k12.ny.us. To read more about the great things happening in Miller Place schools, visit www.millerplaceinthemedia.com and ‘like’ our Facebook page.
