Let’s wish Nimitz High School senior Kevin Navarro the best of luck as he heads to New York City to compete at the NFTE 2025 National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge on October 8!
Navarro earned his spot at nationals after being named a runner-up at the NFTE South Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, which was held at Comerica Bank’s Business & Innovation Hub in Frisco. His business concept, Choose Bake Now, is a same-day cake delivery service created to help last-minute shoppers find freshly baked cakes fast.
What started as a class project in his business pathway course quickly rose to the top of the competition. 
“Choose Bake Now is meant to be a quick and reliable service,” says Navarro. “It started as a final project in class, but my teacher thought it was good enough to enter into the competition. And from there, it just kept going.”
Navarro credits his inspiration to childhood memories of baking with his mom. Though he never expected his idea to advance so far, he says the experience has shown him the importance of believing in himself.
“Don’t be afraid to share your idea,” Navarro says. “If you present well and explain it clearly, it can get you somewhere.”
Throughout his time in the Culinary Arts program at Nimitz, Navarro has developed valuable real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. His teacher, John McFarland, has witnessed Navarro’s growth firsthand.
“Kevin has grown over the past several years in the culinary and hospitality pathway,” says McFarland. “He has earned his ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification, improved his knife skills and developed his preparation skills in baking and pastry.”
McFarland says he’s thrilled to see Navarro’s dedication and creativity recognized at the national level.
“I am excited that he has this opportunity to take his idea and present it to others to get the feedback and mentorship to make his dream become a reality,” he says. “I hope this experience at the NFTE conference will be transformative for Kevin. Presenting his cake baking business to a broader audience will not only boost his confidence but also help him develop valuable communication and networking skills.”
Navarro, who participates in the Culinary Practicum, gains hands-on experience in Nimitz’s commercial kitchen by preparing meals for staff and catering campus and community events.
McFarland says the practicum gives students valuable insight into the professional culinary world and prepares them for success beyond high school.
As Navarro packs for his first trip to New York City, he admits he’s both nervous and excited.
“It’s terrifying,” he says with a nervous laugh. “It’s a national competition, and I don’t know how I’ll do yet. But it’s exciting to see places that nobody else in my family has seen.”
