In a dynamic showcase of young talent, Eastern High School's Principles of Marketing students recently presented their Cell Phone Marketing projects to a panel of esteemed judges, including community and business partners. The event, held on December 5, 2024, highlighted the innovative spirit and professional acumen of juniors in Eastern's High School of Business.

Project Scope and Execution

The ambitious project tasked student teams with selecting a cell phone company and conducting comprehensive research on product offerings, distribution channels, positioning strategies, and branding tactics. Their mission? To answer the crucial question: How do cell phone companies successfully manage, price, and position their products?

The presentations weren't just academic exercises; they were real-world challenges that pushed students to develop a cell phone comparison chart for local parents, students, and businesses. This practical application of marketing principles demonstrated Eastern's commitment to bridging classroom learning with industry needs.

“Putting this presentation together taught me the process of branding and marketing. Although I want to be a psychologist, I have improved my presentation skills through this project.”

— Bryan Magruder, Eastern Business Student

Community Engagement at Its Finest

Eastern's Business Academy's strength lies in its robust community partnerships. The event drew an impressive array of judges from diverse professional backgrounds:

Slava Furs - Keller Williams Realtor and Eastern High School Alum
Clayton Amshoff - General Electric (GE)
Cayla Amshoff - Teacher
Darrell Watson - Louisville Airport Authority
Mary Beth Smith - Director of Academies of Louisville
Debbie Gaddis - Rawlings Group, Client Success Team Lead
Keva Elery - United Healthcare
Alexis Smith - Eastern High School Counselor
Christie Inman - Eastern High School Counselor
Susan Crum - Retired WDRB News Anchor
Kim Morales - Executive Administrator of High Schools
Dr. Joe Ellison - Assistant Superintendent of High Schools
Angela Rush - Education Academic Program Consultant (Kentucky Department of Education)
Brenda Schmidt - Retired Jefferson County Public Schools Assistant Principal
Carrie Keller - Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) Member and Parent of Eastern High School Business Academy Student
James Craig - Jefferson County Public Schools Board Member
Debbie King - Retired Teacher
Jonathan Fairfield - Business Parent for the Academy
Matthew Holbrook - Transcend Credit Union Representative
Austin Dukes - Business Teacher at Crosby Middle School
Joel Anderson - Business Teacher at Crosby Middle School

This extensive list underscores the diverse expertise and contributions of each partner, reflecting a collaborative commitment to enriching the educational journey for students at Eastern High School.

Standout Performances and Insights

The judges were thoroughly impressed by the students' presentations. Darrell Watson praised the Boost Mobile group for their authenticity, noting, "They were themselves when they presented." This event served as a platform for developing essential soft skills, from mastering the skill of note card-free public speaking to limiting gum use.

Each team developed persuasive campaigns tailored to their assigned brands, with notable examples including:

Mint Mobile, which emphasized its budget-friendly and straightforward reliability.
AT&T, which highlighted its commitment to security.
Spectrum, which showcased its long product life cycles and strong brand awareness.
T-Mobile, which focused on simplicity and memorability in its messaging.

Matthew Holbrook provided valuable feedback, suggesting the inclusion of a virtual component in future events to mirror the increasing prevalence of online corporate presentations.

Student Voices: The Real Measure of Success

Bryan Magruder, a student participant, reflected on the project's impact: "Putting this presentation together taught me the process of branding and marketing. Although I want to be a psychologist, I have improved my presentation skills through this project." He emphasized the universal importance of communication skills, stating, "Being able to talk to people is necessary in every career." Bryan also commended his team for their seamless collaboration throughout the process.

Jackson Brown, a junior with aspirations of attending Business School, exuded confidence. When challenged to pitch Verizon in under a minute, he expertly highlighted the company's superior coverage, particularly in underserved areas like Appalachia. His polished response exemplified the real-world readiness that Eastern's program instills in its students.

Eastern's Business Academy: A Cut Above the Rest

Eastern High School's Business Academy stands out as a beacon of excellence in business education. As one of only two schools nationally recognized for its MBA Research and Curriculum, Eastern is setting the gold standard for preparing students for the business world.

Pam Amshoff, the driving force behind the event and a Business teacher at Eastern, understands the critical importance of professional feedback for her students. "They need to hear this feedback from professionals who are not their teachers. This is their future. The students need to learn business lingo, and the businesses need a future workforce," she explained.

The Academy's approach of completing major projects every three weeks keeps students engaged and continuously honing their skills. This project-based learning, coupled with regular interaction with industry professionals, creates an unparalleled educational experience.

A Glimpse into the Future

As Kentucky continues to shine in national business education forums, like the recent MBA Research Conclave in Columbus, Ohio, Eastern High School's Business Academy is at the forefront of this excellence. The school's commitment to integrating cutting-edge industry insights with practical, hands-on learning experiences is preparing a new generation of business leaders who are not just academically proficient but also industry-ready.

The success of this cell phone project presentation is more than just a school event; it's a testament to the power of collaborative education, where businesses, educators, and students come together to create a brighter, more prepared future. As these young marketers move from the classroom to the boardroom, they carry with them not just knowledge, but the confidence and skills to shape the business world of tomorrow.