Polson students place second in state stock market competition

Polson students finished second in a semiannual stock market simulation competition this fall.

The Stock Market Game, which ran Oct. 12 to Dec. 11, encourages middle and high school students to learn about and experience the workings of the stock market. Students begin with a fictional $100,000, which they must invest as wisely as they can with the goal of having the largest equity at the end of nine weeks.

During the competition, students must invest in at least five stocks or mutual funds, which promotes research and diversification. The state’s top five teams receive cash prizes through sponsor Glacier Bancorp’s family of Montana banks. The top team in the simulation came from Westby High School, who ended the nine weeks with a total of $132,077.60 in theoretical equity.

“The Stock Market Game applies experiential learning using a simulated portfolio against the real stock exchange,” said Dax Schieffer, executive director of the Montana Council on Economic Education. “Students conduct research, apply strategy and even consider brand loyalty for their picks. But just like in the real world, the market moves up and down, so they can learn lessons while not risking real money.”

The top five fall Stock Market Game teams were:

First Place: Westby High School, advised by Amy Griffin

Second Place: Polson High School, advised by Sean Elser

Third Place: Great Falls Central High School, advised by Bill Isbell

Fourth Place: Fairview High School, advised by Katie Haigh

Fifth Place: Sunburst High School, advised by Jeffrey Nix