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Celebrating Student Entrepreneurs: The 2026 Loiello Pitch Competition

On April 29, 2026, Mount St. Mary's University proudly hosted the Loiello Pitch Competition, an event that truly highlights the innovative spirit of its student body. This annual competition offers aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to present their original business concepts to a panel of seasoned judges, each vying for a share of a generous prize pool totaling $7,500. This year, the funds were graciously donated by notable alumni Paul Palmieri, C'92, and Diane (Loiello) Palmieri, C'83.

The competition serves as a platform not just for monetary rewards but also for valuable experiential learning. Participants had the unique opportunity to refine their public speaking skills, deliver pitches, and receive constructive feedback from experienced judges—all essential components of entrepreneurship. Each participant was allowed a three-minute pitch, which was instrumental for many in overcoming the initial fear of presenting ideas to a live audience.

After an exhilarating evening filled with impressive pitches, the judges announced Morgan Ortega, C'28, as the champion of the 2026 competition. Morgan's innovative idea, Chalm Tea, features specially crafted tea blends designed to cater to consumers’ health and wellness needs. The grand prize of $6,000 will significantly contribute to the launch of her tea brand, which includes blends for different times of the day—ensuring health benefits without sacrificing taste.

Following closely was Sophia Servagno, C'26, who secured second place with her entrepreneurial vision for The Honeycomb, a coffee shop and bakery dedicated to serving a community of creative individuals with nutritious baked goods and beverages that are as delicious as they are healthy. Her innovative approach earned her a $1,000 prize, reinforcing the importance of health-conscious options in today’s food landscape.

Additionally, tied for third place were Najhayne Watson, C'27, and Mary Gutshall, C'26. Both students received acknowledgment for their patentable ideas and will split the $500 third-place prize. Due to the sensitivity of their ongoing patent processes, specifics about their concepts were withheld from public disclosure, but their recognition highlights the level of innovation present among Mount’s student body.

The university’s administration congratulates all winners and participants, encouraging them to use this platform as a springboard for further growth in their entrepreneurial journeys. The Loiello Pitch Competition not only strengthens student ideas but also inspires future participants to explore the boundaries of their creativity and business acumen.

As an integral part of this entrepreneurial community, the Palmieri Center for Entrepreneurship at Mount St. Mary's University plays a crucial role in nurturing student talent. The center focuses on skill development, mentorship, and experiential learning, helping students tackle real-world problems through innovative solutions and collaboration.

Mount St. Mary's University, located in the picturesque town of Emmitsburg, Maryland, is committed to molding the next generation of leaders and innovators. With more than 70 majors and a strong emphasis on real-world application of learning, the university remains a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs.

With the successful execution of the 2026 Loiello Pitch Competition, the university looks forward to welcoming returning students next year for another exciting round of presentations, while continuously expanding the competition to incorporate more budding entrepreneurs eager to make their mark.