Thomas Nowak, a senior of Hazleton Area Academy of Sciences’ Class of 2026, has been named the recipient of the 2026 Young Innovator of the Year award by the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce. The award, sponsored annually by the CAN BE Innovation Center, was presented to Nowak on Tuesday, June 2nd, during the Chamber’s 50th Annual Academic Achievement Awards Banquet at Four Blooms Restaurant in Drums.
Thomas earned the recognition for his commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving throughout his high school career. Most recently, he placed third in the 2026 tecBRIDGE High School Business Plan Competition with Shadow Reality, an immersive, AI-guided virtual reality platform designed to provide students with hands-on skilled trade simulations while connecting them to career pathways and workforce development opportunities.
“My interest in business and entrepreneurship started at a young age,” Thomas said. “I was always drawn to the idea of owning something of my own and the freedom to identify a problem and actually build a solution for it.”
That interest grew through programs such as Junior Leadership Hazleton, where the idea for Shadow Reality first began to take shape. Through his participation in the High School Business Plan Competition, Nowak refined his business concept while developing skills in communication, presentation, and entrepreneurship.
“One of the biggest skills I’ve developed is learning how to take constructive criticism and grow from it,” he said. “When judges and mentors challenge my ideas or point out weaknesses in my business concept, I’ve learned to use that as motivation to improve rather than a reason to doubt myself.”
CAN DO Director of Economic Development Jocelyn Sterenchock, who worked closely with Thomas throughout the competition, said his preparation, curiosity, and willingness to learn set him apart.
“Thomas was one of the most prepared students I’ve had the opportunity to work with through the High School Business Plan Competition,” Sterenchock said. “What impressed me most was not only the strength of his idea, but his willingness to ask questions, accept feedback, and continuously improve. He approached the process with a genuine desire to learn, and that growth was evident throughout the competition.”
Sterenchock said the award recognizes not only achievement, but also potential. His journey is an example of what can happen when students combine strong ideas with a willingness to learn.
“I hope Thomas continues to explore bringing his idea to market because it addresses a real need and has the potential to benefit students well beyond our area,” Sterenchock said. “He has built a strong foundation, and I know he’ll have access to valuable resources and opportunities as he continues his education and explores what comes next.”
Thomas credits his family, friends, mentors, judges, and educators for supporting his entrepreneurial spirit and helping him develop both his business idea and his confidence.
“It’s a complete honor and honestly, when I found out I was selected, I was speechless,” Thomas said. “What excites me most is knowing that people with real experience in the business world can see the potential in me as an entrepreneur. That kind of recognition is encouraging in a way that’s hard to put into words. It lets me know that my passion for what I’m doing and how I’m carrying myself is heading in the right direction.”
Following graduation, Thomas plans to attend Bucknell University, where he intends to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. He hopes to build a career focused on solving problems that positively impact the people and communities around him.
To learn more about the CAN BE Innovation Center and entrepreneurship support programs available in Greater Hazleton, visit canbe.biz or contact Ana Perez at aperez@hazletoncando.com.
About CAN BE
CAN BE is a business incubator and entrepreneurship support initiative located in Greater Hazleton and an affiliate of CAN DO, Inc., focused on helping entrepreneurs launch, grow, and strengthen sustainable businesses throughout the region. Through the CAN BE Innovation Center, Hazleton Kitchen Incubator, mentorship, partnerships, and access to business development resources, CAN BE supports new and emerging ventures while fostering a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Greater Hazleton Area.
For more information, visit canbe.biz.
