Beginning last September, students in the high school’s new Business Academy began developing a Virtual Enterprise International business idea, Tranquell Beverages, which won first place for Best Sales Pitch at VEI’s Long Island Regional Trade Show in January.

The course directly simulates the experience of creating a business from an idea, with students developing a business plan, opening a new virtual business and following the product through production for eventual sales to other student firms in the Virtual Enterprise organization.

The students are eager to compete at VEI’s annual Youth Business Summit trade show in New York City. Islip’s team will have a booth and sell their product during the event, to be held April 19 at the 69th Regiment Armory. The trade show allows students from around the world who participate in the worldwide Virtual Enterprises network to exhibit a wide range of products and tout their marketing campaigns, competing in such categories as Best Booth, Best Sales Pitch and Best Catalog.