Tucker Terranova ’23

A high school student in the 21st century has more resources than ever before. Being able to look up the solution to any problem within a matter of milliseconds is a luxury that older generations did not have. But, while being able to quickly figure out small problems is a modern advantage, solving more intricate problems remains as challenging as ever.

Lucas Randell ’23 has always been intrigued by fashion. He enjoys expressing himself through his own personal style, and he wants to make others aware of its importance as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Randell took a virtual class that discussed the fashion industry and, specifically, how companies are developing textiles from seaweed—which has been proven to be better for both your skin and the environment.

It was at this moment that a lightbulb went off. Randell, known as a “doer” by many of his teachers, took the initiative to start making face masks. He worked with his mother out of their dining room and, after getting impressive reviews, Randell donated the profits to No Kid Hungry and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Fast-forward to the fall of the 2021-2022 school year, and the Chaminade High School Business Club’s annual “Lane Office Venture Challenge” was about to begin. This challenge asks competitors to pitch an idea for a company or product to a group of judges, and the top-place finishers are awarded scholarships.

This is where the story of SeaWear truly begins: Randell pitched his sustainable products and, after months of continuous presentations, ended up winning first place.

Many students would have taken their winnings and continued with their typical high school life, but Randell knew that he had an opportunity to accomplish something special. After talking with his parents, he decided to spend the money to make his dream a reality.

The first step in creating the company was to fund the manufacturing process. After a successful Kickstarter campaign, Randell hit the ground running. His first order of t-shirts, made exclusively from seaweed-based material, were an instant success.

“I was very happy to exceed my goal,” Randell said. “From there, I did a photo shoot with some friends wearing the shirts, and started an Instagram account to spread the word.”

Randell knows that this is only the beginning of his mission, however, stating, “I’d love SeaWear to be recognized for its vision as one of the first brands to incorporate seaweed in all of its apparel. I hope to introduce other T-shirt colors, designs, and maybe even collaborations with up-and-coming artists.”

Randell knows that this all would not have been possible without his mentors, citing his parents and Mr. Kevin St. Pierre ’85, the Business Club moderator and Bloomberg Financial teacher, as the people who have assisted him in the process.

For a high school student, it is difficult to comprehend how to take an idea and turn it into reality. Between schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and a social life, a high schooler’s daily schedule is already packed. For Randell, however, taking an idea such as SeaWear and understanding the good it can lead to was absolutely worth the time and effort.

Randell’s success proves that there are re- sources available for anyone who wants to make a lasting impact on the world around them. It is just up to you to utilize them.