St. Edward School Teams Place in Top Three of Ohio Stock Market Challenge

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Two seventh-grade teams from St. Edward School have placed in the top three of the Ohio Stock Market Challenge, a 10-week investment competition organized by Ashland University Centers for Economic Education and Financial Literacy.

The competition, which concluded on May 9, 2026, saw students manage virtual portfolios using real-time market data. St. Edward School’s teams, led by Kensley Hoffman, Owen Schneeg, Cora Donatinni, and Michael Bittner, outperformed hundreds of other middle school entries across the state.

The Ohio Stock Market Challenge is designed to teach students about investing, financial literacy, and economic principles. Participants are given a virtual $100,000 to invest in stocks, bonds, and other securities. The competition runs for 10 weeks, with teams tracking their portfolio performance against the S&P 500 index.

St. Edward School’s success marks a significant achievement for the seventh-grade program. The school’s teams placed first and third in the state-wide competition, demonstrating strong understanding of market dynamics and investment strategies.

The competition is part of a broader initiative to promote financial education among young students. Ashland University’s Centers for Economic Education and Financial Literacy has organized the challenge for over a decade, reaching thousands of students across Ohio.

Teachers at St. Edward School have integrated the competition into their curriculum, using it as a practical application of economic concepts taught in the classroom. The students’ success reflects the school’s commitment to preparing students for real-world financial decision-making.

The winning teams will receive recognition at a state-wide awards ceremony. Details about the ceremony, including date and location, are expected to be announced by Ashland University in the coming weeks.

The competition’s results highlight the growing interest in financial education among middle school students. As markets become increasingly complex, educators are emphasizing the importance of early exposure to investment principles.

St. Edward School’s teams will now prepare for the next phase of the competition, which includes a national-level challenge. The national competition will feature top-performing teams from across the United States, competing for additional prizes and recognition.

The school’s administration has praised the students’ dedication and hard work. Principal John Smith said the achievement is a testament to the school’s educational philosophy and the students’ ability to apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios.

The Ohio Stock Market Challenge continues to be a key component of financial literacy programs in Ohio schools. As more students participate, the competition aims to foster a new generation of financially savvy individuals.

Further details about the national competition and the awards ceremony are pending. Ashland University is expected to release additional information in the coming weeks.

The success of St. Edward School’s teams underscores the importance of integrating financial education into middle school curricula. As students navigate an increasingly complex financial landscape, early exposure to investment principles can provide a significant advantage.

The competition’s organizers are now reviewing the results and preparing for the next round of challenges. The national-level competition will begin in the fall, with teams from across the country competing for top honors.

St. Edward School’s teams have set a high standard for future participants. Their success serves as an inspiration for other students and schools looking to enhance their financial education programs.

The Ohio Stock Market Challenge remains a vital tool for teaching economic principles to young students. As the competition evolves, it continues to play a crucial role in shaping the financial literacy of the next generation.