WILTON – A team of four Wilton High School seniors from Junior Achievement (JA) of Greater Fairfield County were selected as finalists in the JA National Stock Market Challenge.
They earned their way to the national competition by placing first in their regional Fairfield County competition. Their teacher-educator is Mathematics Teacher Peg Meurer.
The students – Melitini Tsirikou, Giaccomo De Paulo, Ryan Doughman, and Peyton MacDonald –will compete at Future Bound by Junior Achievement in Boston June 8-11. This event will bring together teen entrepreneurs from across the United States for three days . It is designed to inspire and empower young people, introducing them to real-world skills and insights they can apply to their futures and showcase their skills and knowledge through competing for national honors, awards, scholarships and prizes.
“We have learned the key components of trading: patience and calmness are key in maintaining composure and succeeding,” the Wilton team said in a prepared statement. “We have learned to keep each other composed and reduce any stress our teammates are experiencing.”
The students will compete against other teams in The JA National Stock Market Challenge, a market simulation where students are given a hypothetical $1 million to invest and manage.
This fast-paced competition requires students to track their investments and strategize over one hour, with each minute representing a new day. Students will have the opportunity to buy and sell stocks, analyze market trends, and make strategic decisions to maximize their returns as they compete to achieve the highest return on their investments.
“We will use what we have learned to make responsible and safe financial decisions,” the Wilton team added. “We have also learned the impact of world changes on the stock market.”
At Future Bound, the team will vie for six distinct awards. These include:
- JA Stock Market Challenge – First, Second, and Third Place
- RSM Enduring Excellence Award
- RSM Resilience Award
- Staples Sustainability Excellence
“The JA Stock Market Challenge is a fun and interactive way for students to learn about the stock market and financial literacy,” said Kimberly Morgan, president of JA of Greater Fairfield County. “We are excited to see the strategies and creative thinking that students will bring to the competition.”
Pacific Life Foundation, Visionary Sponsor, and Presenting Sponsors Chick-fil-A, CNA Insurance, Delta Air Lines, and Staples are proud to support Future Bound by Junior Achievement and JA’s mission to prepare young people for economic success. Their commitment to empowering students through education and real-world experiences is at the heart of this dynamic event.
