Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.

Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.

<p>Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.</p>

Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.

<p>Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.</p>

Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.

<p>Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.</p>

Photo courtesy Goshen Local Schools.

Goshen High School marked its inaugural participation in the JA Stock Market Challenge with a commendable performance, as 22 of our students took part in this competitive event hosted at Cincinnati State’s conference center. Our top team, Team Gates, finished an impressive fourth place among 36 teams, highlighting the strong capabilities and potential of our students in their very first appearance in the competition.

The event, sponsored by Junior Achievement of OKI Partners | Western Ohio, is designed to simulate the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of stock trading. Students faced the challenge of responding to “Hot Tips” and “News Releases” in 60-second intervals, each representing a new trading day in the simulation. This setup not only tested their analytical and strategic skills but also their ability to stay composed and make quick decisions under pressure.

Preparation for the competition involved five 45-minute educational sessions that provided our students with a foundational understanding of stock market dynamics, investment strategies, and the balance of risk versus reward. These sessions were integral in preparing our students to navigate the complex scenarios they faced during the trading simulation.

We would like to express our gratitude to Marilyn Meyer, Brooke Creekmore, and Eric Braig for their dedication and mentorship. Their guidance was invaluable in equipping our students with the skills needed to compete effectively and work cohesively as a team.

Additionally, the event included a college information session presented by Cincinnati State College, which offered our students insights into future educational and career opportunities, enhancing the overall learning experience.

We are proud of all our students who participated, and particularly of Team Gates—Makayla Popp, Kyleigh McClenahan, and Bailey Newman—for their standout performance. This initial success at the JA Stock Market Challenge, supported by Junior Achievement of OKI Partners | Western Ohio, speaks volumes about the potential and the drive of our students to succeed in competitive and challenging environments.

We look forward to building on this year’s achievements and continuing to support our students in such enriching experiences. Congratulations to all our participants for representing Goshen High School with distinction.