Grayson Bess ’29 and his team came in first place at the STEM CEO Challenge through Morgan State University Earl Graves School of Business and Management on November 9, 2025. The competition allows students to step into the role of CEO of a major tech company and learn foundational principles of commercial real estate.

“I am interested in STEM and wanted to explore the world of STEM and business,” said Bess. The challenge “offered an interesting learning opportunity which took me outside of my comfort zone.”

His team, which included two other high school students with whom he was matched, participated in several workshops to learn about financial and strategic considerations when considering a company acquisition. The simulation portion of the day involved conducting research and presenting their findings to a panel of judges. 

Bess’ team was placed in the role of Microsoft CEO; they were given three AI companies to evaluate for possible acquisition. Bess said he enjoyed learning about the companies and “found it challenging to develop the EBITDA number for each,” he said. He went on to explain that he had learned that EBITDA — or Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization — refers to how much money a company makes from its core business before paying loans, taxes, and equipment costs.

The winning team took home a $500 prize as well as new knowledge and improved presentation skills. Bess found the whole experience “interesting and exciting.”

Congrats, Grayson!