Northwest Middle School Students excel in state and national Stock Market Game

The Reading School District has announced the outstanding achievements of Northwest Middle School students in the 2023-24 season of The Stock Market Game, an educational program presented by the SIFMA Foundation and the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education in Pennsylvania.

In the SMG’s Fall 2023 session, Gabriel Villar-Baez and Rueben Canon from Northwest Middle School secured top honors in the middle school division competition. Villar-Baez achieved first place in both the eastern region of Pennsylvania and the entire state, while Canon earned second place in the region.

Following their success in The Stock Market Game, students participated in the SIFMA Foundation’s national InvestWrite essay competition. Seventh-grade student Devon Dantzler emerged as the winner of the Fall 2023 InvestWrite competition for the state of Pennsylvania, recognized for his insightful analysis and investment strategy.

Dantzler was honored alongside his teacher, Elizabeth Gardner, during a special ceremony hosted by the SIFMA Foundation and the Foundation for Free Enterprise Education on May 15.

“We are incredibly proud of Devon, Gabriel, and Rueben for their remarkable achievements in The Stock Market Game competitions this school year,” said Joel Brigel, Northwest Middle School Principal.

“Their dedication has earned them statewide and national recognition. Our school is thrilled to provide students with opportunities like The Stock Market Game, which fosters critical thinking, financial literacy, and teamwork skills essential for their future success.”

The InvestWrite competition, a culminating activity for SMG participants, posed a challenging prompt to students in grades 4-12, encouraging them to reflect on their investment strategies and future goals. Essays were evaluated by financial professionals on their understanding of long-term investing, diversification, and global capital markets.

The Stock Market Game is an online simulation that immerses students in economics, investing, and personal finance, equipping them with essential knowledge and skills for their future financial independence.

To learn more about The Stock Market Game in Pennsylvania, please visit pfew.org/stock-market-game.