Bloomfield Hills Financial today announced the winners of their sixth annual Stock-to-Scholarship Challenge. The challenge helps high school students in the metro Detroit area understand the basics of investing by participating in a risk-free environment with “play money.”
Students are given an online investment account pre-funded with $100,000 for purchasing stocks and mutual funds. They can place trades in their portfolios at any time. The top three students who amass the most money in their account after the three month contest are awarded money for their college education.
This year’s winner is Aric Landy, a senior at Novi High School. Landy earned a 21 percent return on his initial stake. He performed better than financial analysts across the country and more than 700 competitors in Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties. Landy was awarded a $5,000 college scholarship.
Yashar Ghaffarloo, a junior at International Academy in Bloomfield Hills earned second place. He earned a 19.4 percent increase in his stock. Ghaffarloo received a $2,000 college scholarship.
Third place was awarded to James Kaleel, a junior at Brandon High School in Ortonville. Kaleel had a 19 percent gain in his stock portfolio making this year’s competition the closest contest since it was established. He earned a $1,000 college scholarship.
“It’s very impressive to see repeat winners, especially when you consider how well they understand the tools available in the marketplace,” says Kevin Van Dyke, founder and president of Bloomfield Hills Financial. “Consistency is what we strive for when building personal financial portfolios. These winners show a sophistication and dedication in the challenge that belies their ages.”
