Students from four local high schools participated in the Klein College Mock Pitch competition.
Students from four local high schools presented an advertising and public relations campaign for client and sponsor the Philadelphia 76ers at the Klein Mock Pitch competition.
Photo by Betsy Manning
Excitement was high during the Klein College Mock Pitch (KCMP) competition, where students from four local high schools showcased their ingenuity.
The South Philadelphia High School team pitched the award-winning advertising and public relations campaign for the presenting sponsor and client—the Philadelphia 76ers—during the competition held March 10 at Temple University’s Ritter Hall. More than 100 School District of Philadelphia students, faculty and staff turned out for the event.
Stacey Harpster, KCMP founder and associate professor of instruction at the Klein College of Media and Communication, said the event has multiple objectives.
“We want to expose high school students to potential careers in communication, advertising and public relations,” she said.
“One objective of this event is to foster a diverse talent pipeline into the industry. We really want to be a good neighbor as Temple University to Philadelphia public school students.
“We want them to have fun and get practice presenting and working in the field. This is supposed to be a fun event to show them all the opportunities that are out there,” Harpster continued.
South Philadelphia High School’s team of seven students spent five months developing their Easy Baskets campaign designed to help the 76ers engage with 14- to 24-year-olds. The campaign features a mobile game where players answer trivia questions about the city of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia 76ers. The students’ work on the campaign ranged from conducting research to developing surveys and planning a budget.
“At first it was difficult for us to figure out, but everyone slowly fell into their own role,” said Miroslav Francisco, the team’s creative director.
“At the end we figured out how to put it together as a team, which is something that I think is really cool.”
Francisco takes pride in knowing that his project was viewed by an audience outside of school.
“I feel like my work is out there now,” he said.
His group competed against teams from three other schools including Universal Audenried Charter High School, George Washington High School, and the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts.
The high school teams presented their pitches to a panel of judges comprised of Philadelphia 76ers representatives, industry professionals, Klein alumni and students.
Advertising agency Aloysius Butler & Clark (AB&C) was a co-title sponsor of the event, along with the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia.
“AB&C is grateful for this unique opportunity to partner with Temple in inspiring the next generation of local marketing and communications professionals,” said Joanna Ford, owner and chief communications officer of AB&C and KCMP judge. “The mock pitch competition gives us a chance to be part of the journey of discovery for students considering a career in the field.”
Kathryn Epps, president and CEO of the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia and KCMP judge, said the organization is proud to sponsor the competition.
“The fund is deeply committed to building strong partnerships across Philadelphia that advance educational excellence for public‑school students,” she said.
“The Klein College Mock Pitch gives our students invaluable, hands‑on exposure to careers in advertising and public relations, while also offering an exciting glimpse into college life. Our students deserve opportunities like this, and we’re grateful to Klein College for creating such an inspiring and impactful experience for them.”
Prior to presenting their pitches, the students heard from a panel of current Klein students and alumni. They also had the opportunity to tour Temple’s campus.
“Being part of the Klein College Mock Pitch was an honor, especially as a proud Klein College alum,” said Morgan Pivovarnik, KLN ’19, manager of brand and creative for the 76ers.
“The students approached the brief with curiosity, intention and a strong sense of storytelling. I was genuinely blown away by the talent, thoughtfulness and creativity they brought to the table. The 76ers were incredibly proud to serve as their ‘client’ for the day.”
