EPHS Virtual Enterprise International

Dave Porreca, Communications & Social Media Specialist

February 19, 2026

Each year the EPHS Virtual Enterprise International class develops a virtual company designed to meet a particular consumer need. The students test the viability of their business by competing in VEI contests, where industry professionals assess the students’ work.

Guided by business teacher Rosaland Russell, this year’s company is called “HydroRing,” a health-tech startup that uses smart hydration technology to combat fatigue and improve athletic performance. Designed with student athletes in mind, the company’s product is a ring that continuously monitors the user’s hydration levels. The ring provides subtle sensations to alert the user to the need for hydration.

Great idea, right? Contest judges agree! Nine of the EPHS students behind HyroRing have won major awards during the 2025-26 VEI contest season — including several students who earned a trip to the 2026 Youth Business Summit April 21-23 in New York City!

Congratulations to the following VEI award winners:

• Ewelina Swiderski, Karolina Wojdyla and Margaux Prater, who won first place in the State Business Plan Competition at the 2026 VEI Midwest Region Winter Conference & Exhibition in Rosemont on Feb. 5. The trio will also participate in the National Business Plan Competition at the Youth Business Summit in April.

Ewelina Swiderski, Karolina Wojdyla, Margaux Prater

• Madison Strockis, Isabella Molinelli and Maximilian Ziuzia, who won first place in the Impact Marketing Competition at the 2025 VEI Midwest Region Fall Conference & Exhibition in South Elgin on Nov. 14. The trio then won third place in the Email Campaign Competition at the Feb. 5 conference. Madison and Isabella will also participate in the Global Innovation Challenge at the Youth Business Summit in April.

Madison Strockis, Isabella Molinelli, Maximilian Ziuzia

• Emilia Blazejewska, Isabella Wernsing and Veronica Konarkowski, who won third place with their trade booth design in the Best Booth Competition at the Nov. 14 Fall Conference & Exhibition. Veronica also won fourth place in the Sales Material Competition at the same conference.