The Georgia Council on Economic Education (GCEE), in partnership with Wells Fargo, proudly announces Samauria Harley, a 9^th grader at Woodville Tompkins High School, as the Fall 2024 Stock Market Game winner. Competing against more than 12,000 students across Georgia, Samauria demonstrated exceptional analytical skills, financial knowledge, and strategic decision-making to secure the top spot in this highly competitive student program.  Samauria is taught by teacher John Cook. Cook leads quite the formidable Stock Market Game program at the school, taking home the state title for the 4th consecutive season! Additionally, teams under Cooks expert leadership also claimed the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th spots in the state among student teams!

The Stock Market Game, an educational simulation that provides students with a virtual $100,000 to invest in real-world stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, challenges participants to apply economic and financial concepts in a practical and engaging way. Samauria's thoughtful investment strategies and ability to adapt to market trends earned her the highest portfolio value at the end of the 10-week program. Samauria made a number of well-timed trades during this fall's game. She rode the recent crypto boom by investing in a Bitcoin proxy (MSTR), and correctly surmised that a small biotech company's (XCUR) stock price surge was due more to its low float than any realistic valuation, and shorted it just as the bubble burst. 

Her success highlights the power of financial literacy education and the importance of preparing students for real-world economic challenges.

"We are incredibly proud of Samauria's outstanding achievement," said Mike Raymer, Executive Director of the GCEE. "This program helps equip students with essential skills for their futures, and Samauria's success is a testament to her dedication and hard work. We also thank Wells Fargo for their continued support in making this impactful program possible for thousands of students across Georgia." Samauria and her teacher, John Cook, will be recognized at an upcoming awards ceremony at the Fox Theatre in May, where she will share her experiences and celebrate her remarkable accomplishment with peers, educators, and community leaders.