This year’s disruption in the high school learning environment did not prevent the annual Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge from happening, with Jaidel Johnson from Jamestown High School taking first place.

The volunteers and staff at Junior Achievement of Western New York quickly developed a virtual format for this year’s program. During the week of Nov. 16-20, more than 590 students from 25 Western New York high schools experienced the realities of the stock market trading through a virtual simulation and competed for the top 10 spots to earn prizes. Prior to the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge, Junior Achievement provides an educational program called Junior Achievement Take Stock in Your Future.

Northwest Bank is the presenting sponsor of the Junior Achievement program.

“Northwest is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge for the third consecutive year. We applaud the Junior Achievement team for continuing to invest in the youth of WNY. On behalf of the entire team, we are proud of all the student participants and wish you continued success,” said Trina Burruss, senior vice president of community relations officer at Northwest Bank.

Students from all over Western New York competed with a starting portfolio of $25,000. The competition was closely tracked, and the leaderboard was shared each day. Students were using an online program called HowTheMarketWorks.com and made their trades using real stock values. Following current events and their impacts on the market were more important than ever this year.

Jaidel Johnson from Jamestown High School was as the first-place winner of the 2020 Junior Achievement Virtual Stock Market Challenge with a 15.9% return on investment ROI and a net value of $28,998.06.

Other area participants included Dawson Bird of Fredonia High School, who placed ninth with a 4.58% return on investment.

The top four students received an iPad Air donated by HSBC Bank. Student teams placing fifth, sixth and seventh received wireless headphones donated by BlueCross BlueShield of WNY and a Perry’s Ice Cream fun pack of coupons donated by Perry’s Ice Cream. Teams placing eighth, ninth and 10th received a $50 gift card donated by Tops Markets.

Chautauqua County schools participating were Falconer High School, Fredonia High School and Jamestown High School.