Weeks of practice and preparation, and then the day finally comes. It’s the Bryant University Bulldog Challenge, where business clubs from various high schools congregate and attempt to claim the win.

Teams are presented with hypothetical case studies of a failing business — this year’s was an indebted bowling company — and then they have to decide how to fix it. This competition requires knowledge and confidence, as well as a knack for all things economic. And, this year, NKHS won.

The Bulldog Challenge was held at Bryant University and presented teams with a case. Each team had to develop, senior and president of the Business Club, Chelsea Campbell, said, “An alternative plan for their business that will save them from debt and help them draw in more customers. We then presented in front of a panel of Bryant professors who analyzed our plans and asked us questions. There were a few rounds in order to come out with the winners.”

This is the third year NK has sponsored the Future Leaders in Business and the first year competing at the Bulldog Challenge, with adviser Mr. Richard Garland. Garland said, “While the club will continue to participate in Bryant University’s Bulldog Challenge, it only occurs once a year. We have plans to acquire membership in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) — a student led organization that spans the U.S., with the purpose of advancing leaders and leadership in business for the future.”

The Business Club gives students opportunities past just the Bryant challenge, as it connects students with other clubs around the country. Garland said, “[FBLA] membership is an honor, provides opportunities for more competition with schools throughout the U.S., and gives students an opportunity to organize as if a business within the high school, which includes fundraisers to benefit the advancement of entrepreneurship within the school.”

NKHS was represented by two teams, one of which won the entire competition. This team was composed of seniors Autumn Guillotte (club Vice President), Nick Rivelli, Jack Calbi, Nick Barzaghi, Luis Aldrete, and Kyle Sayre.  Seniors Chelsea Campbell (club President), Dana Larkin, Zach Sullivan, Vincent Ruggieri, Nick Hanson, and Alex Gershkoff made up the other team representing NKHS at the competition.

“Membership is good for your applications and resumes.  It could be that one thing that shows your college/university or employer that you come equipped with professionalism and a commitment to a discipline. It doesn’t have to be business — if your interest is building organizational and leadership experience, then this club applies,” Garland said.

Though they might have been newbies, one team raked in the win. Campbell said, “I was slightly surprised at the win. It was our first year there! Most teams have been going for years and they knew what to expect, and we had no idea what it was going to be like. That was what made me slightly surprised, however, our team was amazing. Everyone on the team shines in their own way and contributes with great ideas.”

Garland wasn’t so surprised at the win. Garland said, “I was impressed with both teams. I was moved by their performance and so was my close colleague from IBM, who came to help, given we had two teams. He couldn’t stop complimenting NK on the way home. What he and I saw that day is what we looked for in candidates when hiring at IBM. We are both retired now, and our passion is sharing what we were fortunate to acquire when we were executives in the company.”