MidAmerica Industrial Park announces 2025 MidAmerica Cup Award Winners
04/13/2026
MidAmerica Industrial Park announced the winners of the 2025 MidAmerica Cup, a business plan and entrepreneurship competition for high school students across the region. The presentations occurred on November 19, and winners were announced December 2. More than $11,000 in prize funding was distributed to participating students and advisors.
The competition, now in its third year, is a partnership between MidAmerica and i2E (Innovation to Enterprise). The program introduces students to entrepreneurship, innovation and real-world problem solving. Schools engaged in MidAmerica’s STEM education efforts are invited to form teams, develop marketable solutions and present their work to industry judges.
Chouteau High School’s Red Dirt Roots Company earned first place in the Best Overall category for its subscription-based service that connects communities with locally grown foods and handcrafted products from small farmers and artisans. The team includes students Nahomi Talavera, Elizabeth Sullivan and Curtis Schencks, advised by instructors Jake Adkinson and Chasma Carlile. Judges cited the team’s strong market potential, clear financial planning and well-defined product strategy. Red Dirt Roots Company also earned first place in the Best Business Plan category.
“The MidAmerica Cup reflects our commitment to strengthening the region’s education and workforce pipeline,” MidAmerica’s Director of Workforce Development Scott Fry said. “These students learn to identify opportunities, build business models and communicate their ideas to potential investors. The professional skills they gain will follow them well into their future careers.”
This year’s competition included teams from Adair, Chouteau, Inola, Jay, Locust Grove, Pryor and Salina. Students spent several months developing business plans, marketing strategies, executive summaries, budgets and prototype concepts. Their work culminated in formal pitch presentations judged by business leaders and educators.
“The MidAmerica Cup gave my students more than a competition. They built a business plan from the ground up, stood in front of a panel to defend it and saw their classroom skills come alive in a real setting. It was an experience that pushed them and grew their confidence,” said Jake Adkinson, Chouteau Agricultural Education teacher and advisor.
MidAmerica Chief Administrative Officer David Stewart said the competition continues to advance the Park’s long-term workforce vision. “Our mission is to support pathways that lead students to the high-quality jobs available in and around Mayes County,” Stewart said. “These students demonstrate remarkable creativity and initiative. Investing in programs like the MidAmerica Cup helps develop the next generation of innovators and business leaders.”
MidAmerica Cup Award Winners
Best Overall
1st Place: Red Dirt Roots Company, Chouteau High School
2nd Place: PA/C Men, Inola High School
3rd Place: Workforge XP, Pryor High School
Best Business Plan
1st Place: Red Dirt Roots Company, Chouteau High School
2nd Place: PA/C Men, Inola High School
3rd Place: Teefer Tablets, Salina High School
Best Pitch Presentation
1st Place (tie): ShowerMate, Inola High School
1st Place (tie): Workforge XP, Pryor High School
3rd Place: Teefer Tablets, Salina High School
90 Second Pitch – Best Overall
Workforge XP, Pryor High School