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Gwinnett Business Journal
From the June 2006 print edition
Andrew Lyu from Norcross High School and Andrew Crabill from Wesleyan School have been named Sanders Financial Scholars for outperforming their fellow students in the Sanders Stock Market Challenge. Both high school seniors received $1,000 college scholarships from Sanders Financial Management, a financial advisory and investment management firm in Norcross.
 Launched in January, the Sanders Stock Market Challenge is a 12-week simulated stock market competition designed to teach high school students how the global financial system works and better prepare them for careers in the business world.
"To prepare our young people for a competitive workforce, it is vital that they understand how our financial system works," Sanders Financial Management CEO Emily Sanders says. "The Sanders Stock Market Challenge teaches students about economics and finance in a way that is interactive and challenging."
Given a hypothetical $100,000 to invest, each student was able to buy and sell stocks or mutual funds available on several exchanges, including the New York Stock Exchange, the American Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
As part of the program, students were taught how the global stock market system works, how the markets affect and are affected by current events, and how to select, buy and sell common stocks.
"The Sanders Stock Market Challenge not only helps students develop math, economic and research skills associated with investing, but also teaches them how to take more control over their financial future," says Norcross High School Assistant Principal Nathan Ballantine. "It's a great way to educate our students because students learn about the market in a fun, engaging way."
The Stock Market Simulation, produced by the Duluth-based company Stock-Trak, allowed students to participate using the Internet, phone, or a toll-free fax machine for those without Internet access. Trades could be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any computer at any time.
"The stock market challenge was an eye-opening experience," Lyu says. "It was great preparation for what to expect in the real world."
At the end of the 12-week period, Lyu, who is in the International Baccalaureate program, produced a return of 14 percent (a portfolio valuing $114,000). He plans to attend Duke University in the fall. Crabill generated a 6 percent return. He plans to attend University of Georgia in the fall.
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