On January 13, 2026, BTBOCES_New Visions Academy (Vestal) students RJ Matthews (CEO of the team), Ava Meza, and Nathan Purdy, along with students from other area school districts, presented their student-run business, R.I.S.E., during their final business presentation. Local business leaders, family members, community members, and superintendents were in attendance.

Throughout the school year students worked together on their company, from developing the business model to marketing and selling their product, the R.I.S.E. Essentials Kit. This kit was created to solve a common problem: everyday items you need but can't find in one place. (Wet wipes, stain remover, hand sanitizer, tissues, lint roller and mints.) The team built strong financial skills through real-world application.

R.I.S.E. set a new record, as the most successful company in New Visions Business Academy history, raising over $7,000! All the proceeds were donated to local charities, including Angel Tree shopping and supporting families in our community.