Benton High School students win $10K at Altec Innovation Challenge with cosmetology course proposal

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- Four Benton High School students won $10,000 at the Altec Innovation Challenge Thursday evening.

The Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) competition allows local high school juniors to work in teams to tackle problems within their schools and the community.

Each of the nine teams present had to pitch their ideas to judges and were evaluated on creativity, presentation and community impact.

One Benton High School team pitched an idea to add a cosmetology class at the high schools. The team consists of four junior students: Banker Wahlert, Rhiannon Penland, Presttyn Fuston and Miranda Anaya.

The group said they decided on this idea because there's is currently not a cosmetology course offered at any of the St. Joseph School District high schools.

"We thought it would be super beneficial for anybody who was looking for that type of job," Penland said.

The group said the the biggest challenge that they faced was figuring out their financial plan and their confidence in the project.

"When we first started thinking of this project, we were thinking are people even going care about this. It's something that people automatically think it's too girly or it's something that is commonly stereotyped that only females can do," Anaya said. As we gave it more attention and really put thought into it. It really just became something that flourished. It can show it can be for everyone and it can help the entire community."

Anaya said it's important to speak up and share ideas.

"Even if it seems insignificant to you. There are people out there that will listen to you, that will appreciate what you have to say, and I think that if you just believe in yourself enough, you can accomplish what you want," she said.

Overall, the group said winning the competition was one the best feelings they have ever experienced.