ǿմý students dream big
In ǿմý,studentsareinspired todreamBIG.
For two decades, ǿմý’sWhat’s Your Big Idea?EntrepreneurshipContesthascelebrated imagination, problem-solving, and the belief that great ideas can come from anyone, at any age!
ThehugeWhat’s Your Big Idea?awards ceremony last night at UTACollege Park Center–where morethan 600studentfinalists from grades three through eight walkedacross the stage and receivedmedals–looked nothing like the early days of the contest.
Thecontest started 20 years ago in a single classroom at Parks Mall, when marketing teacher Deborah Blackner, now the district’s career and technical education specialist, teamed up with a teaching partner to give ǿմý students a platform to share their ideas.
“It started really small,” Blackner said. “It’sjust kept growing ever since.It’sbeen crazy to see it grow and persist.”
It’sBIG now. Last night, thousands of ǿմý students, educators, families, and community partnersattended theawards ceremonyfortheinspiring20thanniversarymilestone.What’s Your Big Idea?isthe only event of its kind, andit’sexclusively for ǿմý students. The contestissponsored by the GreaterArlington Chamber of Commerce, connecting student creativity with the business community.
TheWhat’sYour Big Idea?contestchallengesstudents toidentifyreal problems and propose meaningful solutions. Across grade levels and campuses, students presented ideasthrough essays or artthat addressed everything from community needs and environmental challenges to technology, wellness, and education. Each project told a story – not justofinnovation, but ofcuriosityandperseverance.
“This is one of those unique student experiences that sets ǿմý apart,” said ǿմý career and technical education coordinator Sara Mahoney. “The contest really gets studentsthinking outside the boxand interested in entrepreneurship at an early age.It’sso fun to watch these kids get inspired,come up withamazing ideas, and then get celebrated for creativity and ingenuity.”
Educators played a critical role in guiding students through the process, helping them refine their ideas while encouraging independent thinking and collaboration. Blackner continues to play a role in the event through the CTE department, helping students connect their ideas to real-world applications.
The event also highlightsthe importance of community partnerships, with local leaders and supporters lending theirexpertise, time, and encouragement to help students see how their ideas connect to the world beyond school walls.
As ǿմý reflected on 20 years ofWhat’s Your BigIdea?,the anniversary served as both a celebration and a reminder of the district’s mission.
“For two decades, this program has encouraged students to think boldly, dream creatively, and believe that even the boldest ideas can become something real,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. “Each of you here today imagined a new business or invention, proving that innovation doesn’t wait for adulthood – it starts early, right here in Arlington, Texas.”
After 20 years, one thing is clear – the bestidea of all is investing in students andempoweringthem todream big.
Congratulations to ourfirst-placeart andessaywinners:
Art Winners:
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- 3rd Grade:Haven Hatcher, Ditto Elementary – Teacher Julie Lee
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- 4th Grade:Drew Pratt, Pearcy STEM Academy – Teacher Ty Pogue
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- 5th Grade:Olivia Bartoo, Hill Elementary – Teacher Nicole Fragosa
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- 6th Grade:Devon Wordlaw, Pearcy STEM Academy – Teacher Robin Lage
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- 7th Grade:MalachiBrown, Boles Junior High – Teacher Sarah Grenier
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- 8th Grade:YasminElsaad, Shackelford Jr. High – Teacher Sara Isbell
Essay Winners:
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- 3rd Grade:TrentonKuntschik, Butler Elementary – Teacher Kimberly Perry
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- 4th Grade:Emma Martinez, Foster Elementary – Teacher Allyssa Karlen
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- 5th Grade:Penny Crisafulli, Little Elementary – Teacher Emily Berrong
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- 6th Grade:Josephine Tollefson, Butler Elementary – Teacher Lauren Kelso
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- 7th Grade:Iza Garcia, Gunn Junior High – TeacherKowoniaDavis
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- 8th Grade:ValentinaDeantunano, Gunn Junior High – Teacher Alex Allison