Mason High School Wins Ohio SAGE Competition

Teams of students from seven local high schools competed in the Ohio’s Students for the Advancement of Global Entrepreneurship (SAGE) business competition on Wednesday, May 7 at the Tangeman University Center of the University of Cincinnati. Mason High School won the Ohio title, and will represent the state at the national SAGE competition later this month. To capture the state title, all SAGE teams presented their business plans and ventures to a panel of judges from the local business community.

The SAGE competition requires creating or extending an entrepreneurial venue that is able to generate profits. Students are judged on how well they integrate components such as civic engagement in democracy, environmental awareness and global markets into their entrepreneurship and community service ideas.

The Mason High School SAGE team operates the Comet Savings & Loan, the first student-run bank in Southwest Ohio. The bank’s operations are sponsored by First Financial Bank. The winning team also founded the Comet ZONE, a venture providing spirit clothing for the Mason High School community. The venture has generated $43,907 in profits.

The Economics Center for Education & Research coordinates the Ohio SAGE. This year, the Economics Center is also hosting the national SAGE competition. New York, Idaho, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, California and several other states are sending their winning delegations to Cincinnati, May 23 in hopes of winning the national title. John Morris, COO of the Economics Center for Education & Research supported schools and teachers getting involved in SAGE, noting, “Activities like the SAGE competition spark an entrepreneurial spirit in students as they acquire the skills and knowledge that can ensure success and productivity beyond the classroom.”