The 12th annual Cross Tank Competition took place on Monday, March 24, hosted by HC Launch through the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. This highly anticipated event provided a platform for Holy Cross students to pitch their innovative business ideas and entrepreneurial ventures, competing for a total prize pool of over $9,500.
Meet the Judges
- Brittany Fanatu ’15 – Marc Alkes Insurance
- Michael Kane ’23 – Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Rich Mynahan ’93 – ClearView Healthcare Partners
- Samantha Sweet ’21 – Ashby
Students competed in two categories: the Concept Stage, for business ideas in development, and the Operational Stage, for ventures already generating revenue.
Concept Stage Winners
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First Place ($1,500) – getStyled
A wardrobe dashboard app featuring a virtual closet, AI outfit suggestions, Pinterest-inspired looks, and built-in shopping—all in one place.
Students: Caroline Hanson ’27, Maura Switzer ’25, Grace Donahue ’25, Sarah O’Sullivan ’25, Lauren Halverson ’25, Sarah Stokes ’25, Meggan Fourie ’25 -
Second Place ($1,000) – Brownie Magic
Brownie Magic lets anyone easily create intricate powdered sugar designs on pre-sliced brownies in minutes. Simply place a dishwasher-safe stencil from the themed set over the brownies and dust with sugar for a beautiful, festive touch.
Student: Anna Henry ’28 -
Third Place ($500) – Wave Watcher
A tanning headrest with shade that doubles as a beach chair.
Student: Jack Murphy ’27
Audience Favorite: Brownie Magic ($250)
Operational Stage Winners
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First Place ($3,500) – Sweet Syds
A growing business specializing in homemade baked goods and treats.
Student: Sydnee Ambrosino ’27 -
Second Place ($1,500) – WiseDine, LLC
Meal plan generator syncing student specific dietary needs.
Student: Nico Corporon ’26 -
Third Place ($1,000) – Mark-it
An athletic company with a focus on track and field, bringing new innovations into the sport to help advance it.
Student: Logan Mott ’27
Audience Favorites: Mark-it & Slyce Seltzer ($125 each)
Slyce Seltzer – Vodka seltzer company focusing on health, crispness, and unique flavors
Student: Andrew Trachimowicz ’27
Special Giveaway: ‘What Do You Meme?’ by Ben Kaplan
In addition to the exciting competition, Ben Kaplan, the creator of the popular card game “What Do You Meme?”, generously donated to the event and hosted a giveaway of his signature game. Attendees had the unique opportunity to take home a copy of the hit party game, adding even more excitement to the evening!
Looking Ahead: WooTank Showdown!
The excitement continues as Sweet Syds and getStyled will represent Holy Cross at the WooTank Intercollegiate Showdown on Tuesday, April 8, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Off the Rails in Worcester. They will compete against students from Clark University, Nichols College, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
We invite the Holy Cross community to come support our teams and cheer them on!
Stay tuned for more updates on our student entrepreneurs as they continue their journey.