Buckley Fifth Grader Emma Sugiyama Places 1st in NY in the SIFMA Foundation’s Fall 2023 National InvestWrite® Competition

Echoing the immortal words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” fifth grader Emma Sugiyama is making remarkable strides towards achieving her goals through the development of a comprehensive long-term investment portfolio. 

 

Emma’s commitment to her investment strategy bore fruit with a remarkable achievement in the SIFMA Foundation’s Fall 2023 InvestWrite competition. Emma emerged triumphant among thousands of student participants nationwide, crafting an outstanding essay on long-term investing and the dynamics of capital markets in the elementary division. In recognition of her accomplishment, Emma and her esteemed teacher, Ms. Patricia Russac, were honored by the SIFMA Foundation during a special ceremony held on May 3.

 

The SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite national essay competition serves as a vital bridge between classroom education in mathematics, social studies, and language arts, and the practical application of research and knowledge essential for saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. As a culminating activity for The Stock Market Game™, a curriculum-based financial education program challenging students to manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash, InvestWrite empowers students to apply their learning in real-world scenarios.

 

The efficacy of SIFMA Foundation’s programs in enhancing participants’ test scores in math and economics, fostering financial planning skills, promoting teamwork and interpersonal social-emotional learning, and better preparing students for future academic and professional endeavors, has been well-documented. With a steadfast commitment to closing the opportunity gaps in our society, the SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to equipping young people from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on underserved youth, with a robust understanding of financial markets.

 

“It brings me immense joy to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Emma, her dedicated teacher, and the entire school community for their remarkable achievement in the essay writing competition,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “Through her insightful exploration of diversification and steadfast commitment to long-term goals, Emma has not only demonstrated adeptness in navigating market dynamics, but has also illuminated pathways to enduring financial prosperity. This victory underscores the profound impact of financial education, transcending individual accomplishments to foster meaningful community empowerment.”

 

The Fall 2023 InvestWrite competition posed the following challenge to 4th-12th graders: Which of your Stock Market Game investments performed well or poorly, and why? Utilizing at least one of their Stock Market Game investments, participants were tasked with constructing a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds aimed at achieving a personal, family, or community goal by 2033. 

 

Emma captivated a panel of expert judges from the financial services industry with a compelling and insightful essay. Congratulations, Emma!