For Immediate Release – February 23, 2026
Contact: Tari Jahns, CEO, 715-421-0390
WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI – United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ Financial Security Coalition hosted the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids from February 11-12, 2026.
In this bracketed, quiz-bowl-style tournament, teams of high school students compete by answering questions on finance and economics. This year’s event was attended by 114 students from seven area high schools: Amherst, Loyal, Marshfield, Nekoosa, Pittsville, Port Edwards, and Wisconsin Rapids.
United Way’s Financial Security Coalition collaborates with Asset Builders of America, Inc. and Mid-State Technical College to host this annual event. The competition creates a fun and exciting atmosphere that boosts student engagement, knowledge, and retention of financial topics.
“The Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl is a great example of how we can make financial education both fun and impactful. Seeing students collaborate, think critically, and gain confidence in their financial knowledge and having fun while doing so was truly inspiring,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Jessica Arneson.
A team from Amherst High School, including students Elliot Podeszwa, Otto Anglemyer, Michael Glodowski, and Shaydon Abbott-Beversdorf won the final match on Wednesday, and a team from Marshfield High School, including students Sterling Willcome, Nicholas Kenney, Neel Gonugunta, and Saket Kanchireddy, won the final match on Thursday. Both teams will advance to the State Championship in Madison on April 22, 2026.
Thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Associated Bank, CLA, Connexus Association, DFI, Mid-State Technical College, Modern Woodmen, Nekoosa Port Edwards State Bank, NextHome Partners, Paper City Savings Bank, Prevail Bank, Sentry Credit Union, The Auto Club Group Foundation, United Way of South Wood & Adams Counties’ Financial Security Coalition, US Bank, Valley Communities Credit Union, Wisconsin Bankers Foundation, 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.
Photo Caption: Amherst High School team celebrates after winning the 2026 Wisconsin Rapids Regional Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Photo Caption: Marshfield High School team celebrates after winning the 2026 Wisconsin Rapids Regional Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl on Thursday, February 12, 2026.