A team of students from Staples High School’s Financial Decision Making course earned second place at the Connecticut State Finals of the National Personal Finance Challenge, held March 31 at Synchrony in Stamford.

The National Personal Finance Challenge, organized by the Council for Economic Education, is a nationwide competition that assesses high school students’ ability to apply financial literacy skills in real-world situations. Competing as teams, students analyze case studies and respond to complex financial scenarios involving budgeting, saving, investing, and managing risk.

The Staples team, consisting of seniors Justin Halky, Ford Epstein, Patricio Garcia, and Kai Schwartz, advanced to the state finals through earlier rounds of competition, demonstrating strong knowledge of personal finance concepts along with collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

At the state competition, teams completed a rigorous assessment and presented their analysis of a financial case study, showcasing both their content knowledge and their ability to communicate effective financial strategies. The Staples team’s second-place finish reflects a high level of achievement and places them among the top-performing teams in Connecticut.

This was our first time qualifying for the state finals, and earning second place is an incredible accomplishment. Our students rose to the challenge, demonstrating teamwork, critical thinking, and a strong understanding of real-world financial concepts, said teacher Stacey Delmhorst.

Participation in the Personal Finance Challenge reflects Westport Public Schools’ commitment to preparing students with essential life skills. Through experiences like this, students gain practical knowledge that supports informed decision-making and long-term financial well-being.