YORK, Pa. — Penn State York students in the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Collegiate chapter on campus once again participated in the Stock Market Game hosted by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIMFA) and earned first and second place finishes at the national level.

Two three-person teams participated throughout the spring 2023 semester under the guidance of Megan Lorenz, FBLA adviser and assistant teaching professor and program coordinator for the bachelor of science in business at Penn State York. Through the progam, teams gained a better understanding of the ups and downs of the stock market and how it works. The students work in teams managing a portfolio of investments utilizing different strategies to achieve the greatest return, Lorenz said, and their placements have been impressive.

“Penn State York has continued to place in the stock market game for the last three semesters. Overall, two first-, two second-, and a third-place recognitions nationally for three semesters,” said Lorenz.

First-place award winners were Trevor Kasulen, Krish Rajendrakumar, and Cody Stambaugh. Second-place winners were Polina Bolotnikova, Nhi Nguyen, and Katelyn Ottaviano.

The Stock Market Game provides participating students opportunities to manage a financial portfolio that mimics the real-time volatility of the actual stock market. The challenge to teams was to grow their financial portfolio more than the other participants in the competition.

Throughout the semester-long competition, all six students followed the stock market and did research to gain a better understanding of how it operates. In addition to performing well and earning recognition, the students received certificates in recognition of their win.

“Through the experience students learn about stocks, mutual funds, bonds, investing, risk, and return. SIFMA’s game has not only provided a national stage for competitive learning, but excitement about finance on our campus with a little competition within our own chapter,” Lorenz said.

David Christiansen, chancellor of Penn State York; Ryan Dellinger, FBLA president; Kaitlan Hevener, FBLA vice president of finance; Rebecca Mauck, vice president of public relations; Lawrence Williams, vice president of leadership; and Lorenz presented the medallions and certificates to the group on Sept. 28.