Teacher Richard Rippin with some of Norwood’s most financially literate students

Students from Norwood Elementary School captured three top awards at the annual Stock Market Game awards ceremony at Towson University on May 31, 2006. The Stock Market Game, sponsored by the Maryland Council on Economic Education, is an Internet-based simulation of the real stock market, in which teams are given an imaginary $100,000 to invest over a 10-week period.

One team from Norwood, consisting of Joey R., Courtney O., Eddie M., and Shane M., won first place, recording the highest score in Maryland and Washington, D.C. with a whopping $159,407 portfolio. They outperformed more than 3,200 teams and 15,000 students.

Another team from Norwood, consisting of Vince L., Brittany B., Bradley B., and Andrew K., won first place elementary school in the North Central region (Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil counties, and Baltimore City), as well as winning first place as the highest scoring Title I team in Maryland with a final portfolio of $110, 039.

Students began the program by discussing some basic options for saving money.

“We talked about how you can spend money right away, or you can delay that gratification and invest it for a greater return in the future,” said Brittany B.

“Once we decided to invest, we learned what it was like to own part, or shares, of a company. We picked our companies after looking at current trends, such as higher gas prices, so we selected two energy companies: Chesapeake Energy and Pacific Ethanol,” said Eddie M. “Our team put our money in a company called NMTI Medical that has a device that helps get rid of migraine headaches. It made us $60,000!”

The teams’ stock advisor and fifth grade math teacher, Richard Rippin concludes, “At a time when we’re concerned about Social Security, pensions, debt levels, and personal financial literacy in general, it’s wonderful to see these young people take the initiative on securing their financial future. This experience has paid off for them now, and it will help them become more informed consumers, investors, and citizens in the future.”

Story by Richard Rippin, teacher, Norwood Elementary School. Photos courtesy of Norwood Elementary School.