After weeks of researching business ideas, creating business proposals, and practicing business presentations, three Rio Grande Valley high school teams are winners of the Young Entrepreneurs of the RGV Challenge.

Earning the $1500 first place award with their creation of R&J Pharmaceuticals is the team from Brownsville Independent School District Rivera Early College High School: Robert Hernandez & Julio Reyna. Their sponsor is Angie Capistran.

Second place went to Emilio Munoz, Weslaco East High School, for his creation of Chaka Sauce. His sponsor is Marcos Cano. The $1000 award will help this young man market his product!

Brownsville ISD boasted another winner as Hanna Early College High School took 3rd place honors with its TwinScapes Park Renovation proposal. Jonathan Ambriz & Nathan Ambriz won $750. Their sponsor is Julietta Garcia-Ramirez.

Taking time out from their busy daily schedule to serve as judges for the event were Barbara Jean Garza- Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center (CEO), Ernest Espinoza- Children’s Bereavement Center-RGV (Executive Director), and Asael Saavedra- City of Primera (commissioner). “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

The Valley-wide competition is booming due to the collaboration of RGV LEAD, PNC, Ameriprise Financial, RGV Partnership, Texas Gas Service, UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization, CIC Cantu Construction, Career Bridge, and keynote speaker Dalinda Gonzalez Alcantar, entrepreneur and CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of McAllen.

RGV LEAD thanks everyone who contributed to making the Young Entrepreneurs of the RGV Challenge Day unforgettable!

1^st PLACE

2^nd Place

3^rd Place