The online market simulation game is part of the Butler County school’s eighth-grade algebra classes.
“They learn about real-world investment and savings,” said Mother Teresa spokeswoman Noel Balster.
The game, which is offered by the University of Cincinnati Economics Center, uses real-time data from the exchange, said Balster.
Students also presented their portfolios to UC business professors as part of the statewide competition, she said.
Two of Mother Teresa’s eighth grade teams won first and second in their category among all competitors in the state.
Math teacher Lauren Austin said the top honors — and free trip to New York City and the exchange — were “well-deserved honor for our teams.”
“These eighth-graders spent a great deal of time together establishing a portfolio and strategy. They’ve truly grasped the fundamentals of economics, saving, and investing,” said Austin.
While in New York last month, the team presented their investment strategies to real-world investment firms including Legg Mason, Lazard, and Goldman Sachs. They also toured the New York Stock Exchange, Ground Zero, and Times Square.
The eighth-grade students who won first place in statewide competition and made the trip were: Andrew Larkin, Andrew Meister, Conner Sands, David Schweinefuss, Michael Schweinefuss, and Andrew Winslow.
Second-place state winners from Mother Teresa were: Kathryn Bayer, Alicia Jimmar, Adrienne Kelly, Kyle Malik, Emma Trusock, and Nick Woods.
Mother Teresa is one of only three independent, private Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
The school, which opened in 1998 to 20 kindergartners in the basement of a church, now serves 495 students in grades kindergarten through eight on its 25-acre campus.
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