Eagles Manufacturing Reaches the "PEAK" at 2026 Fredonia Shark Tank
FREDONIA, NY – The innovation and dedication of Lake Shore Central Schools’ Eagles Manufacturing (MFG) program were on full display this past Thursday at the 2026 Fredonia Shark Tank competition. Competing for the third consecutive year, the Eagles MFG program continued its streak of excellence as 14 students across five specialized groups pitched original business and invention concepts to a panel of distinguished judges.
Among a field of innovative ideas aimed at solving real-world problems, the student group "PEAK" rose to the occasion, securing an impressive 3rd place finish in the high-stakes competition.
Innovation on the Slopes
The "PEAK" team, comprised of members Dominick Lagattuta, Finnigan Zybala, Christian Waldeck, and Brayden Mackey, presented a high-tech solution for winter sports safety. Their product—an AI-integrated snowboarding goggle—aims to revolutionize how enthusiasts interact with the mountain.
The device features hands-free voice activation, allowing users to record POV footage, control music via smartphone connectivity, and access a digital interface. Most importantly, the technology includes safety-critical features such as automatic crash detection alerts for ski patrol and GPS tracking for lost or stranded athletes.
A Tradition of Excellence
This year marks the second consecutive year that Lake Shore students have placed in the top tier of the Fredonia competition. Kate Millen, Eagles MFG instructor, expressed immense pride in the students' collective performance.
"Proud just barely describes how I feel about the students' effort, planning, preparation, dedication, and presentation," Millen said. "They rocked it!"
Beyond the competition itself, the event provided students with the valuable opportunity to visit a college campus and network with faculty, college students, and regional community leaders. The hands-on experience of defending an original concept before "Sharks" remains a cornerstone of the Eagles MFG curriculum, fostering both technical skill and professional confidence.
The 2026 trip reinforces the program's mission to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application, proving once again that Lake Shore students are ready to tackle the challenges of the modern marketplace.
Photo Gallery: Eagles MFG at Fredonia Shark Tank 2026
