We are thrilled to celebrate Agrima Kumar, a 5th-grade student at Riverdale Heights Elementary, for her outstanding achievement in the National InvestWrite Competition! Competing against thousands of students across the nation, Agrima secured 1st place in Iowa in the SIFMA Foundation’s Spring 2024 InvestWrite contest, which challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of financial markets and investment strategies through a creative, insightful essay.
Agrima’s journey began with participation in “The Stock Market Game,” a classroom simulation that gives students hands-on experience with stock market trading. Under the guidance of her teacher, Erin Anquist, Agrima developed a diversified investment portfolio and a compelling plan for long-term financial independence, demonstrating remarkable skill and strategy. Her winning essay explored key financial concepts, including diversification and market analysis, and her dedication earned recognition not only for her insight but for her commitment to securing a brighter financial future.
The InvestWrite competition is an extension of The Stock Market Game™, which introduces students to real-world investing concepts. Students are tasked with managing a hypothetical $100,000 portfolio, analyzing the performance of their investments, and crafting a $25,000 diversified portfolio to achieve personal, family, or community goals for 2030. Agrima’s essay captivated the panel of volunteer judges with her thoughtful approach and practical understanding of investment principles.
Agrima and her teacher were recognized by the SIFMA Foundation in a special ceremony. The Foundation’s programs, including InvestWrite, provide students with essential financial education and promote critical thinking, teamwork, and long-term financial planning. Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation, praised Agrima’s achievement: “Agrima’s essay details a very thoughtful and compelling plan for long-term financial independence. Her accomplishment signals the value of early financial education in setting youth on a path to positive financial life outcomes.”
Congratulations to Agrima for her exceptional accomplishment, and thank you to Mrs. Anquist and the Riverdale Heights community for supporting our students in their pursuit of excellence!