GREAT MILLS, Md. — Seven students from Great Mills High School earned top honors at the Pitch for Your Pocket STEM competition, hosted by the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation in early spring 2025. The event, held in Great Mills, showcased innovative projects from young minds, with winners securing $5,000 in funding and mentorship to advance their ideas. The competition highlighted the potential of local youth to shape the future through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The winners, announced at the event’s conclusion, were seniors Evan Walsh, Braden Gutekunst, and Owen Delwiche, along with juniors Abril Esparza, Angela Hou, Rishi Sheth, and Aarav Sharma. Each student presented a unique project, demonstrating technical expertise and a commitment to solving real-world challenges. The $5,000 prize pool will support the development of their initiatives, while ongoing mentorship from industry professionals will guide their progress. “This was more than just a Pitch for Your Pocket STEM competition – it was an affirmation of what they are capable of contributing to our community,” said Adrienne M. Somerville, founder of the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation.
Background: Principal Dothard, Braden Gutekunst (y12), Owen Delwiche (y12)
Back row: L to R): Steve (check with Adrienne for his name), Aarav Sharma (11), Braden Gutekunst (12), Rishi Sheth (11), Owen Delwiche (12), Evan Walsh (12)
The evening featured a series of pitches, with students showcasing creativity and confidence. “Pitch night was truly inspiring. These students did not just deliver pitches – they delivered purpose, passion, and the promise of a better tomorrow. They are our future leaders, and their level-up time is now,” Somerville said. The event drew educators, mentors, and community leaders, fostering an environment of collaboration and support. Principal BeeJay Dothard, career advisors Latoya Carroll and Amber Cunningham, and a panel of judges, including Ed Rule of Naval Systems Inc., Sybol Anderson of Leadership Southern Maryland, Stephen Doragh of Naval Air Systems Command, and coaches Michele DeMoss-Coward and Sam Coward, were instrumental in the event’s success.
The Pitch for Your Pocket competition, organized by the Carolyn E. Parker Foundation, aims to empower underrepresented students in STEM fields. Founded in honor of Carolyn E. Parker, a community trailblazer, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit supports youth through education and mentorship. Somerville urged community involvement, stating, “Let this be your invitation to join us – as a sponsor, a coach, or simply an advocate for the next generation. The power to shift their paradigm and shape their trajectory is in our hands.” More details about the foundation’s initiatives are available on its website.
The competition took place at Great Mills High School, a hub for STEM education in St. Mary’s County. The school’s STEM Academy, located near the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, offers rigorous courses and hands-on projects, preparing students for careers in science and engineering. The event underscored the academy’s role in fostering innovation, with students applying classroom knowledge to practical solutions. The collaborative effort of judges and mentors ensured each participant received constructive feedback to refine their projects.
The Carolyn E. Parker Foundation has hosted similar events to promote STEM among youth, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Its programs provide resources and opportunities for students to excel, aligning with the foundation’s mission to support the elderly, educate youth, and uplift communities. The Pitch for Your Pocket competition is a testament to the transformative power of investing in young talent, as evidenced by the achievements of Great Mills High School’s winners.