Pictured, Crestview students, from left, Lilly Stamp, Grace Weaver, Zoe Mays, Bridget Borchardt and Blasey Biser. (Submitted photo)

COLUMBIANA –It seemed like just another lesson plan for a group of, then eighth grade students at Crestview Middle School who were teamed up with Phantom Fireworks for the school’s career exploration initiative almost two years ago. The company partnered with the district, challenging students to look at a new marketing plan for one of their firework products that had not sold well in stores. Students worked to rebrand the firework including renaming the product and redesigning the packaging.

In preparation for the project, Phantom Fireworks welcomed the students into their corporate offices. They were introduced to executives, the advertising and marketing team, toured the facilities, and learned about how the business operates. When considering the redesign, the Phantom team helped create an understanding of why they believed the product was not selling well and how to understand the target demographic.

Now, as incoming sophomores at Crestview High School, this group of students will showcase their work to the country after participating in a reveal celebration of their new product at the Phantom Fireworks of Boardman showroom on Tuesday. The “Phat Splat” Rocket Pack will now be officially sold in all Phantom Fireworks showrooms.

Phantom’s Purchasing and Product Development Manager, Jessi Dragoiu, stated this partnership became so much more than could have been expected. “The partnership with Crestview Schools has exceeded Phantom’s expectations. We could not have imagined the impact this would have, not only for Phantom Fireworks, but also for the next generation of employable students. We look forward to continued work with Crestview and hope to expand this opportunity to more students in the future,” said Dragoiu.