Montville students showcase Virtual Enterprise startups — energy strips and L‑theanine air fresheners

Students in Montville Township High School's Virtual Enterprise (VE) program presented two student‑run business plans to the Board of Education on March 11, describing product concepts, market research and plans for sales and quality control.

The first team, Burst Strips, described a thin, dissolvable flavored strip offered in energy, sleep and recovery formulations. Rianne Adkarni, the team chief executive officer, said the group surveyed 75 students and reported that 98% said they felt unmotivated at times; 81% reported trouble falling asleep and 79% cited post‑exercise recovery challenges. “Our mission is to empower people to feel their best with fast‑acting science‑backed flavored strips for energy, sleep, and recovery,” Adkarni said. Team members said the energy strips would contain caffeine and L‑theanine, recovery strips electrolytes and L‑theanine, and sleep strips melatonin; they told the board their product comes from a third‑party manufacturer and discussed contract controls for quality assurance.

The second team, Essentials, presented a line of L‑theanine‑infused car fresheners, plug‑in air fresheners and candles designed to promote alertness without caffeine. Shruti Swaminathan, who identified herself as Essentials’ CEO, said the team surveyed 63 students and found nearly 75% reported negative side effects from caffeinated products. “Our solution? Let me introduce Essentials. Naturally energizing air fresheners and candles,” Swaminathan said. The students said their electronic car fresheners include a built‑in timer and that they added refillable scent packs; they also described a safety guide and recommended dosing guidelines to be printed on packaging.

Board members and administrators questioned students about safety, ingredients and quality control. When asked about melatonin and maximum dosing, Burst Strips team members said packaging would include recommended dosing and warnings. Students from both teams said they rely on third‑party manufacturers and would use contract language and testing requirements to help ensure product quality.

Both teams described recent competition results: the Burst Strips team advanced in a regional business‑plan competition, and Essentials reported sales of $17,000 at a virtual trade show in their VE marketplace. Teacher Mr. Connolly introduced the groups and said the VE capstone course teaches students business skills — from accounting to marketing — and provides opportunities to compete regionally and nationally.

Trustees praised the students’ work. “That was an incredible two presentations,” one board member said, thanking teachers and mentors and encouraging continued participation in the program.

Why it matters

VE presentations give students practical experience running simulated businesses and allow the board to observe curriculum outcomes in entrepreneurship, finance and marketing. Students confronted product safety and quality questions, which board members and administrators emphasized as important if products move beyond the virtual marketplace.

Provenance

The VE presentations and the subsequent Q&A are recorded in the meeting transcript during the high‑school reports and the presentations section.