SHAMOKIN - Winners of this year's Stock Market Challenge were treated to lunch at Original Italian Pizza on Thursday, where they received some real-life financial advice.
Sponsored locally by Sunbury Motors and The News-Item, the game involved middle and high school teams from Line Mountain, Mount Carmel Area, North Schuylkill, Our Lady of Lourdes Regional and Shamokin Area.
Tom Mertz, president of Sunbury Motors, addressed the students and told them of the importance of financial knowledge in adult life. He said many people come to his company's various dealerships to buy a vehicle, but are rejected because of credit problems.
He also spoke about motivation, and how people in the same sales job can make considerably different amounts of money based on how hard they work and their attitudes.
Andy Heintzelman, editor of The News-Item, told participants they should encourage other students to take part in the Stock Market Challenge because it teaches practical lessons about real-world investing and financial responsibility.
Carolyn Shirk, representing EconomicsPennsylvania, which runs the stock market game each year, presented certificates to winning teams as well as door prizes and gift cards.
Each team begins the 10-week competition with a hypothetical $100,000. Students invest the money using real-world stock trading as measurements of their success.
A Shamokin Area team took first place in this year's high school division, turning their starting money into an impressive $135,186. Team members were Josh Dunn, Kieran Kelley and Mike Rodarmel; Dave Kopitsky was their adviser.
Second place was a Mount Carmel Area team advised by Rob Scicchitano. Members Tommy Hynoski and Kim Andruscavage ended with $110,958.
Third place was another MCA team, comprised of Danny Fletcher, Lexie Danilowicz and Robbie Varano, who ended with $110,210. They were advised by Aaron Domanski.
Winning the middle school division was a Shamokin Area team advised by teacher Jamie Luff. Team members Colm Sullivan and William Yost ended with $115,470.
Another Domanski MCA team took second with $111,020. Team members were Timmy Glowatski, Sara Parker and Kasey Rompallo.
The third-place middle school team was from Shamokin Area and ended with $101,556. Advised by teacher Stephen Keller, members were Marcella Nahodil, Jarred Rachau and Kaitlyn Schrader.