Mar 20, 2025

Great Bend students learn the risks & rewards of Wall Street

Posted Mar 20, 2025 11:10 AM
GBHS Staff celebrated their wins in the 2025 Investment Challenge. Pictured left to right, Robin Linsner, third place; Kyle Kriegh, second place; and Carrie Minton, first place, joined by Matt Hiss from Legacy Financial Solutions.
GBHS Staff celebrated their wins in the 2025 Investment Challenge. Pictured left to right, Robin Linsner, third place; Kyle Kriegh, second place; and Carrie Minton, first place, joined by Matt Hiss from Legacy Financial Solutions.

BUSINESS NEWS

Students at Great Bend High School recently stepped into the world of stock trading as they participated in the Eighth Annual Legacy Financial Solutions Investment Challenge. This hands-on competition gave students a taste of real-world investing, teaching them the fundamentals of financial markets in an exciting and interactive way.

Using the online platform How the Market Works, students, and staff each started with $100,000 in virtual funds to build their investment portfolios. Throughout February, participants researched stocks, made trades, and refined their strategies, simulating real-time market conditions in a low-risk environment.

Matt Hiss of Legacy Financial Solutions visited GBHS to present Visa gift cards to the 2025 Investment Challenge Winners. Out of 167 student participants, Jakobi Swartley (left) finished in first place.
Matt Hiss of Legacy Financial Solutions visited GBHS to present Visa gift cards to the 2025 Investment Challenge Winners. Out of 167 student participants, Jakobi Swartley (left) finished in first place.

After a month of strategic decision-making, the top three student investors emerged out of 167 participants: Jakobi Swartley, a junior, placed first place, receiving a $100 gift card; Aiden Stacey, a sophomore, placed second, receiving a $50 gift card; and Sydney Bailey, a freshman, placed third, receiving a $25 gift card.

“It’s inspiring to see students engage with the stock market in such a meaningful way,” said Lacy Wolters, GBHS career/ACT coordinator. “This challenge provides a valuable opportunity for them to learn about investments and financial planning in a hands-on setting.”

Aiden Stacey, 2nd place
Aiden Stacey, 2nd place

“This competition encourages students to think critically about financial decisions, and it’s exciting to see their enthusiasm grow each year,” added Wolters.

Matt Hiss, investment advisor representative with Legacy Financial Solutions, emphasized the importance of financial literacy. “Our goal is to give students and staff practical exposure to investing. Watching them gain confidence in making financial decisions reinforces the value of this challenge.”

Staff members also took part in the challenge, with this year’s winners all located at Great Bend High School. Carrie Minton secured first place, Kyle Kriegh earned second, and Robin Linsner placed third – receiving $100, $50, and $25 gift cards from Legacy Financial Solutions.

Sydney Bailey 3rd place
Sydney Bailey 3rd place