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November 4, 2026

How INCubator Transforms "Durable Skills" into Real-World Success

Cleatshield INCubator Team Presenting their product on Stage

Standardized exam scores offer a helpful snapshot in time, but how do we truly measure the value of hands-on learning? Look no further than Class of 2026 graduate George Tzamouranis and his journey through Lake Park High School’s INCubator program.

INCubator serves as the capstone experience across Lake Park’s three business pathways: Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Business Management/Administration. In this full-year dual credit course, Lancers engage in authentic entrepreneurial work, culminating in a "Shark Tank" pitch competition evaluated by community partners. Guided by local volunteer mentors —like CleatShield’s mentor Rosanna Battista of Griffith Foods—students learn to navigate real risks, learn from setbacks, and pivot based on market research.

As CEO of CleatShield, George led a team of three other classmates to develop an innovative solution preventing mud buildup on athletic footwear. Their effort earned them first place and a $4,000 award from the Lake Park Educational Foundation. More importantly, it put Lake Park's 21st Century Durable Skills directly into practice:

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: The team analyzed market needs, conducted primary customer research, and refined an original product concept.

  • Resilient Learner: Through iterative product testing and market feedback, students embraced trial-and-error to improve their business model.

  • Collaborative Leader and Thoughtful Communicator: Leading a startup required uniting team members around a shared vision, resolving challenges together, and pitching persuasively to judges.


“This experience taught me valuable lessons in business, leadership, teamwork, and perseverance,” shared George, who is now studying finance and AI for Innovation at Bentley University. A motivated student-athlete on the football team, he is also involved with the Bentley Investment Group and the entrepreneurship clubs, where he hopes to continue developing his interests in business, finance, and innovation.

By grounding core academic content in real-world application, programs like INCubator ensure our Lancers don't just memorize information—they graduate prepared to lead.