Written by: Stacy Lowe
Corona, CA - Orange Grove High School is celebrating a rich achievement as two of its student teams have claimed the #1 and #2 spots in The Stock Market Game for the region, outshining 2,095 other teams and ranking in the top five statewide. Bryan Garcia and Gerald Munoz, lead the region, closely followed by Andrew Alvarez and Brody Caponetto.
The Stock Market Game is an interactive, educational program that gives students $100,000 in virtual funds to invest in real-time stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Using resources like Yahoo Finance and Finviz, students research and strategize to maximize their portfolio’s returns, mirroring the real-world complexities of the stock market. By learning to analyze market trends, assess risks, and build diversified portfolios, students gain practical insights into finance and economics.
Bryan Garcia, a member of the top-ranked team, shared how the experience has deepened his understanding of the market. “I’ve learned a lot about stocks recently, playing The Stock Market Game. There are a lot of factors that can impact the market. I like searching for a stock that has the highest ROI—you have to do your research.”
His teammate, Gerald Munoz, highlighted the real-world relevance of the program. “If this was real money, I would have already made $10K! In the long run, when I have my own money, what the school is doing will be so helpful.”
Under the guidance of teacher Andrew Edwards, these students have honed skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. “These guys deserve some praise for their hard work and effort in improving their financial literacy,” Edwards expressed.
Research shows that increasing financial literacy in young people can lead to better economic outcomes, including higher earning potential and reduced debt. By participating in The Stock Market Game, Orange Grove students are not only mastering math, research, and strategy but also developing a lifelong skill set for financial success.
The competition is still underway, so these rankings could shift. Keep an eye out for updates and cheer them on as they work to maintain their lead! Whether they finish as state champions or not, Bryan, Gerald, Andrew, and Brody are already well on their way to mastering the art of investing—and securing a prosperous future.