6 July 2010 - For immediate release

It was time for the sole traders to celebrate last week, as three Northland students took out the top three awards at the YES Northland Mid-Year Celebration.

Jade Larkan from Springbank School was awarded 1st prize in the Oral Presentation. Jade's business, Le Mieux Enterprises, is working with an American supplier to create nail armour, which can be easily applied by women of all ages. Jade is marketing her products to beauty salons and end-users.

Kaitaia's Priscilla de Groen Hutchinson, from Abundant Life School was awarded 2nd prize for her Oral Presentation. Priscilla's company is called Snazzee Productions, and has created the 'Snazzee Bag', which can be used as a shoulder bag, tote bag or school bag.

Alana Cozens from Whangarei Girls' High School won 3rd prize for her Oral Presentation. Alana's business is Wheat Feet Creations, and she has come up with a wheat pack that can be used as slippers.

The audience of approximately 70 also heard presentations from Dark Knight Paintballing Products & Services, from Kaikohe Christian School; and X-Rated Foods from Dargaville High School. Dark Knight is working to create a paintball helmet with night-vision goggles and radio communication, which will extend the services that paintball companies can offer to their customers. X-Rated Foods has created kumara crisps, which will be available in three flavours - chicken, salt and tuscan.

The three students were presented with their prizes by Kevin Wilson of Top Energy, Regional Partner for the Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme.

Winners were also announced for the NorthTec Business Planning Competition, the Keri Design & Print Competition, and the MoreFM Radio Advertising Competition.