Students who recently participated in the first Student Shark Tank offered by Ankeny Economic Development Corp. pitched ideas to a team of local judges. Ideas pitched included saving homeowner’s money through an innovative water solution, high-tech decorative lighting and elite athletic apparel. In the community idea category winning projects included homeless care packages, targeted elementary reading support and no-cost youth team sports. Area sharks on the judging panel included: Roger Hargens, CEO of Accumold, Marcus Pitts, Managing Director of JLL, Mike Colwell, Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Kerry Walter-Ashby, Ankeny City Council and Chris Murray president and CEO of Denny Elwell Company. Three high schools (Ankeny, Ankeny Centennial, North Polk) and three colleges (DMACC, Drake and UofI) were represented in the competition. “Challenging students and connecting them with professionals in the area is a win that goes far beyond the prize money,” said Trent Murphy, AEDC chairperson. The competition was held at Accumold headquarters on SE Oralabor Rd. in Ankeny. Prize money awarded totaled $4,500.