Community Corner

Esty Visits Cheshire High School for 'Lessons in Business'

The visit this week gave students a chance to interact directly with the fifth district congressman.

The following was submitted by Leslie Paier, business teacher at Southington High School.

Congresswoman Elizabeth Esty, 5th Congressional District, visited with students at Cheshire High School Wednesday. She spoke to students about her path to Congress and about the importance of learning about financial literacy and personal finance.  

What prompted her visit to the high school was a special edition of the Stock Market Game, known as the “Capitol Hill Challenge.” In an effort to promote financial literacy 506 members of Congress are matched with a high school team from their district. Congresswoman Esty’s office played against an economics class at CHS. The students in the class feel confident that they won against the congressional office.      

At CHS many students are involved in financial literacy and personal financial management courses. In grades 9 and 10 students are taught the basics about budgeting and managing money, saving and investing. Students entering grades 11 and 12 have a better understanding of the world around them. They are able to take classes in economics, investing, accounting and advanced personal finance.

Students also discuss the relationship between government, business and our personal responsibilities. The Stock Market Game is used as a tool to enhance curriculum and help students learn more about investing. The Stock Market Game engages students in an authentic manner. It allows them to experience the real world of investing. 

Each student begins with $100,000 to invest in either individual stock, bond and/or mutual fund purchases. Students feel the money is theirs and they pick investments they believe will increase in value. Their investment results are compared to the performance of the S&P 500 benchmark. Some students outperform the S&P 500, while others underperform and lose money based on their investment choices.

Valuable lessons are learned about our economy, investing, decision-making, and personal financial management. It was a pleasure to have Congresswoman Esty with us. Over 100 students from the business department attended her talk. It was a wonderful experience for everyone.

Make sure to like Cheshire Patch on Facebook and follow on Twitter for breaking news, daily updates and more!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here