Fairfax County leaders marked the 10th anniversary of the Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge earlier this week.
“It’s only gotten bigger and better,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said when presenting a proclamation saluting the contest’s first decade on Tuesday (May 19).
The initiative, an offshoot of the Fairfax 50+ Community Action Plan, challenges students to research, design and test devices that positively impact the lives of local seniors or those with disabilities.
“Anytime you can get generations talking to each other, there’s some much to learn on each end,” said Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity.
Pete Lamont, chief operating officer of the technology consulting firm Integrity One Partners and a longtime supporter of the initiative, said the creativity of students is on display every year.
“It gives me a lot of hope and excitement about the future,” he said.
Students of today are the entrepreneurial leaders of tomorrow, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said.
That’s a plus, because “Fairfax County’s economic success relies on innovation,” Lusk said.
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck, himself a serial entrepreneur, said those working with evolving technology should not let setbacks be a deterrent.
“You’re going to lose more than you win — it’s going to make you stronger,” Storck said. “All of you have a long lifetime ahead. Go get ’em.”
