Published on February 06, 2026
By Arlington ISD Communications
In Arlington ISD, students are inspired to dream BIG.
For two decades, Arlington ISD’s What’s Your Big Idea? Entrepreneurship Contest has celebrated imagination, problem-solving, and the belief that great ideas can come from anyone, at any age!
The huge What’s Your Big Idea? awards ceremony on Feb. 4 at UTA College Park Center –where more than 600 student finalists from grades three through eight walked across the stage and received medals – looked nothing like the early days of the contest.
The contest started 20 years ago in a single classroom at Parks Mall, when marketing teacher Deborah Blackner, now the district’s career and technical education specialist, teamed up with a teaching partner to give Arlington ISD students a platform to share their ideas.
“It started really small,” Blackner said. “It’s just kept growing ever since. It’s been crazy to see it grow and persist.”
It’s BIG now. Last night, thousands of Arlington ISD students, educators, families, and community partners attended the awards ceremony for the inspiring 20th anniversary milestone. What’s Your Big Idea? is the only event of its kind, and it’s exclusively for Arlington ISD students. The contest is sponsored by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, connecting student creativity with the business community.
The What’s Your Big Idea? contest challenges students to identify real problems and propose meaningful solutions. Across grade levels and campuses, students presented ideas through essays or art that addressed everything from community needs and environmental challenges to technology, wellness, and education. Each project told a story – not just of innovation, but of curiosity and perseverance.
“This is one of those unique student experiences that sets Arlington ISD apart,” said Arlington ISD career and technical education coordinator Sara Mahoney. “The contest really gets students thinking outside the box and interested in entrepreneurship at an early age. It’s so fun to watch these kids get inspired, come up with amazing ideas, and then get celebrated for creativity and ingenuity.”
Educators played a critical role in guiding students through the process, helping them refine their ideas while encouraging independent thinking and collaboration. Blackner continues to play a role in the event through the CTE department, helping students connect their ideas to real-world applications.
The event also highlights the importance of community partnerships, with local leaders and supporters lending their expertise, time, and encouragement to help students see how their ideas connect to the world beyond school walls. The City of Arlington is one of the proud sponsors of the annual event. During the ceremony, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross proclaimed Feb. 4, 2026, as Entrepreneurship Day in recognition of the event’s 20th anniversary and the accomplishments of the student finalists.
“By championing creativity, confidence and entrepreneurial thinking at an early age, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Independent School District are helping shape the next generation of problem-solvers, innovators and community leaders,” the proclamation reads.
As Arlington ISD reflected on 20 years of What’s Your Big Idea?, the anniversary served as both a celebration and a reminder of the district’s mission.
“For two decades, this program has encouraged students to think boldly, dream creatively, and believe that even the boldest ideas can become something real,” said Arlington Mayor Jim Ross. “Each of you here today imagined a new business or invention, proving that innovation doesn’t wait for adulthood – it starts early, right here in Arlington, Texas.”
After 20 years, one thing is clear – the best idea of all is investing in students and empowering them to dream big.
Congratulations to our first-place art and essay winners:
Art Winners:
3rd Grade: Haven Hatcher, Ditto Elementary – Teacher Julie Lee
4th Grade: Drew Pratt, Pearcy STEM Academy – Teacher Ty Pogue
5th Grade: Olivia Bartoo, Hill Elementary – Teacher Nicole Fragosa
6th Grade: Devon Wordlaw, Pearcy STEM Academy – Teacher Robin Lage
7th Grade: Malachi Brown, Boles Junior High – Teacher Sarah Grenier
8th Grade: Yasmin Elsaad, Shackelford Jr. High – Teacher Sara Isbell
Essay Winners:
3rd Grade: Trenton Kuntschik, Butler Elementary – Teacher Kimberly Perry
4th Grade: Emma Martinez, Foster Elementary – Teacher Allyssa Karlen
5th Grade: Penny Crisafulli, Little Elementary – Teacher Emily Berrong
6th Grade: Josephine Tollefson, Butler Elementary – Teacher Lauren Kelso
7th Grade: Iza Garcia, Gunn Junior High – Teacher Kowonia Davis
8th Grade: Valentina Deantunano, Gunn Junior High – Teacher Alex Allison
