Springdale High School Seniors Win Stock Market Game, Gain Valuable Financial Literacy Skills
In a surprising turn of events, three seniors at Springdale High School have emerged as stock market experts after participating in The Stock Market Game. Casey Sprinkle, Shane Parsons Jr., and Owen Scheuring placed first out of 501 teams in Western Pennsylvania, showcasing their newfound knowledge and skills in the world of stock trading.
The Stock Market Game is a two-month simulation where students start with a mock $100,000 and work the stock market to have the most money by the end of the term. Under the guidance of their economics teacher, Nick Spehar, the trio managed to turn their initial investment into $127,000, beating the second-place team by $370.
Scheuring highlighted the volatility of the stock market, stating, “It shows how fast and how quickly you can win money, or lose money. It can jump one day and plummet the next.” Their impressive 27% return on investment would be envied by real investors, as the stock market historically produces about a 10% annual return.
Spehar emphasized the importance of financial literacy among students, especially in a time when American youth often lack basic financial knowledge. According to the Global Financial Excellence Literacy Center, millennials show the lowest financial literacy among all age groups, with only a quarter demonstrating basic financial literacy.
The team’s success in The Stock Market Game serves as a stepping stone for their future financial endeavors. Spehar hopes that the experience will empower them to make informed decisions about investments and create wealth in the long run.
As Sprinkle reflected on his experience, he shared, “This game has shown me that, when I turn 18, I need to invest, and the stock market is a tool I can use.” The game not only provided them with practical knowledge about stocks but also instilled a sense of responsibility and caution when it comes to investing.
Overall, the Springdale High School seniors’ victory in The Stock Market Game is a testament to the importance of financial education in schools. Through hands-on experiences like this, students can gain valuable skills that will benefit them in their future financial endeavors.
