United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ Financial Stability Coalition hosted the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.
In this bracketed, quiz-bowl style tournament, high school students compete in teams using their knowledge of finance and economics. This year’s event was bigger than ever, with 24 student-teams from 7 area high schools: Amherst, Assumption, Iola-Scandinavia, Pittsville, Stevens Point, Tri-County, and Wisconsin Rapids.
United Way’s Financial Stability Coalition collaborates with Asset Builders of America, Inc. and Mid-State Technical College to host this annual event. The competition creates a fun, exciting atmosphere which increases student engagement, knowledge, and retention of financial topics.
“Financial literacy is critical life-skill, but it’s not a priority for most teens. This event completely changes that – the students are so excited to compete! I’m so grateful we can offer this opportunity to our students because the knowledge they’re gaining will impact the entire community for years to come,” said Community Engagement Director Ben Eberlein.
Stevens Point Area Senior High (SPASH) won over Amherst High School in the final round of this year’s competition. Both teams will advance to the State Championship in Madison on May 17, 2023. The winning team, coached by SPASH teacher Jeremy Castleberg, includes members: Joshua Donahue, Winston Hill, Ben Johnson, David Steiner, and Matthew Davis. The second place team, coached by Amherst High School teacher Jason Pickering, includes members: Haley Peskie, Jake Derezinski, Sarah Breed, and Payton Jastromski.
In addition, an All-Tournament Award was presented to five individual students for excellence in sportsmanship, conduct, and respect, including: Nils Carlson from Wisconsin Rapids, Ben Johnson from Stevens Point, Gabby Kelly from Wisconsin Rapids, Ryan Breed from Amherst, and Zander Thoe from Iola-Scandinavia.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Associated Bank, Connexus Credit Union, Key Savings Bank, The Investor’s Choice/Modern Woodman, Mid-State Technical College, Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank, NextHome Partners, Paper City Savings, Prevail Bank, US Bank and WoodTrust Bank. Additional thanks to our community volunteers serving as Quizmasters, Judges, and Scorekeepers for providing their time and expertise to make this event a success.
Caption: Stevens Point Area High School’s team celebrates after winning the 2023 Wisconsin Rapids Regional Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl.