Lincoln Financial Field has been the site of many thrilling victories, as the Philadelphia Eagles have soared to two Super Bowl wins since its opening.
But on Wednesday at the Linc, two Hempfield High School students captured a championship of their own.
Sophomore Medha Lalani and her sister Reshma, a freshman, took home the first-place, $2,500 prize in the 2026 First Trust Bank Entrepreneurs Game Plan Challenge, a competition that has been co-sponsored by the Eagles and educational partner Science of Sport since 2021.
The program’s mission is to equip students with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about their financial future through creating their own business plan. Students from across Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey submitted pitches for consideration.
Medha and Reshma were among five groups selected for the final competition, and their submission was unique for two reasons: They were the only students from a public school who qualified, and they were the only group whose idea was for a nonprofit venture, called “Tech Buddies,” which was inspired by their grandparents.
Bridging the generation gap
Jay and Aruna Lalani immigrated from India when the girls’ dad, Mehul, was a boy. The sisters stay with them for a week or more each summer, and last year they realized there was a big gap in their grandparents’ knowledge of technology. It hit them that this was an issue they could tackle not only with their grandparents, but with other senior citizens, as well.
What started as a family project became a mission.
FBLA adviser Andy Wise encouraged the sisters to pursue their passion. They quickly received approval from their principal to hang signs with QR codes around Hempfield High School, and they reached out to various school clubs for teen volunteers. They also reached out to peers at the South Asian Association of Lancaster for support.
“Gen Z often gets made fun of for being self-centered, but when we reached out to teens, they stepped up,” Reshma said Wednesday.
“Our generation has so much knowledge. Why not put it to good use,” Medha added.
The sisters began reaching out to retirement homes, rec and community centers throughout Lancaster County. So far, 62 high school students from four different school districts have helped serve over 1,500 seniors through Tech Buddies. The first session was held at Homestead Village before quickly spreading, and the program has upcoming collaborations at Hempfield Rec Center and Landis Homes.
While 54 million seniors in the United States own digital devices, the girls said during their presentation Wednesday, 41 million of them indicate that they need more help with the technology they own.
“It is all about bridging the generation gap,” explained Medha. “We want seniors to feel included, accepted, and understood.”
The Lalani sisters have already begun an active dialogue with Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Commission on Next Generation Engagement, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, AARP and United Way of Lancaster.
Championship treatment
The Eagles rolled out the red carpet – literally – for Wednesday’s event, which was emceed by Dave Spadaro, who has worked to promote the Eagles organization since 1997.
The red carpet led the finalists through the FirstTrust Bank Club into the stadium, where they were given a tour of the Eagles locker room. They posed with the two Vince Lombardi Trophies and got to sit in locker stalls with each of their names hung above.
They were also taken out to the field to take in the 70,000-seat home of the Eagles from a view most never get to experience.
“When walking down the tunnel to the locker room we got such a rush of adrenaline,” Reshma said.
The adrenaline fueled their presentation. Reshma and Medha’s grandparents kicked off their portion of the event, coming to the stage to ask technical questions about how to use their smartphones, before the sisters launched into their presentation.
“Our grandparents and parents have played such a pivotal role, giving us time, support,” elaborated Medha. “We were so grateful for this opportunity, but it is just a step in the process.”
The three judges, who included a representative from First Trust Bank as well as Frank Gumienni, the Eagles’ chief operating officer, and former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant, asked the girls questions following their presentation and applauded them for their poise and professionalism, their analysis of cost and marketing as well as their unique concept that would provide a needed service.
“Reshma and Medha have exhibited both diligence and grace as they have started their business,” stated HHS business teacher and girls’ basketball coach Chris Hanusa. “They follow through at all times and display the grace needed to truly consider the customer first.”
The win is the second for Hempfield High School; a pitch by Aiden Beiler and Keith Greer took first place in 2022.
