Fort Fairfield Elementary School students flex their financial muscles

4 years ago

FORT FAIRFIELD, Maine — Continuing the school’s history of financial success through intuition and fortitude, fifth-grade students at Fort Fairfield Elementary School were recently named winners in the 2019-2020 Stock Market Game. 

Congratulations went to Lantz Gerhauser, son of John and Ashley Gerhauser, for placing first in the competition. His teacher, Jay McKenney, was his adviser. 

Finishing in second place was the team effort provided by Ethan Gorneault, son of TJ and Holly Gorneault, and Jack Helstrom, son of Jonathan and Christine Helstrom. The team’s adviser was their teacher, John Ala. 

Gerhauser, Gorneault and Helstrom will receive individual awards at a later date as the awards luncheon was cancelled due to the state-wide quarantine. A banner noting the accomplishments of the three students will join others on display in the school. 

Fifth-graders from Fort Fairfield Elementary School have placed first or second in the state-wide Stock Market Game every year since 2009. 

The Stock Market Game is an online simulation through which students build a fundamental understanding of investing while applying real-world skills and practice in math, English language arts, economics, social studies and other subjects. The program is open to students in grades 4 through 12. 

Students and teachers enjoy the program, which brings real-world situations into the classroom. Students demonstrate strong levels of engagement and class participation, and improved academic performance while developing a foundation of financial understanding. 

This annual event is sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation.