Share this story:

English 11 Shark Tank Project Builds Persuasive Thinking

11/23/2025

Elise Burke Parcha

In English 11 Reasoning & Rhetoric, students capped off their persuasion unit with a project that asked them to think critically, write strategically, and present with purpose. The assignment challenged students to identify an idea that could benefit the Sanford community and craft a persuasive proposal demonstrating their mastery of rhetorical strategies such as ethos, pathos, logos, and audience awareness–core curricular focuses of the course.

Working in groups, students developed their ideas, created presentation slides, and delivered their proposals to a panel of “sharks,” better known to them as Sanford faculty and administrators. They also had to anticipate and respond to challenging questions about budgets, feasibility, and the tangible impact their ideas could have on the Sanford community.

The presentations were well structured and rhetorically sharp. While questions were challenging at times, the faculty sharks, unlike Kevin O’Leary on Shark Tank, never dismissed an idea outright. Instead, they pushed students to think more deeply and refine their proposals, turning each challenge into an opportunity to strengthen their work.

English instructors Anne Fleming and Allison Jester noted that the project highlighted meaningful intellectual engagement and inventive problem solving. “The students were innovative, thoughtful, and enthusiastic,” they shared. “They rose to the occasion and presented some truly fantastic ideas.”

Among the many creative proposals, two ideas stood out to the judges: the senior parking spot projects. Summer Millard ’27 and Vince Mangrelli ’27 proposed auctioning senior parking spots as a prom fundraiser. Alyssya Beverly ’27, Asia Adams ’27, and Kylie Pienkos-Chong ’27 took the concept further by suggesting that seniors be allowed to personalize their spaces as a class-bonding tradition.

Head of School Jaime Morgan ’02 expressed interest in bringing the ideas to Facilities Manager Kevin Needham for consideration, sharing, “It was such an honor to sit in on these student presentations as a 'Shark'. It was so clear that every group had taken the time to prepare and practice. Their ideas were amazing and well thought out. I wish we could have made offers to all of them!”

Projects like this reflect the kind of rigorous, applied learning that builds confidence, sharpens student voice, and supports intellectual growth. It was clear throughout the process that students were not only learning how persuasion works, but how to use it responsibly and effectively. As Ms. Fleming and Ms. Jester added, “We can’t wait to do it again next year.”

Back