Last year, once a month, over fifty students used to pile into Mrs. Tavtigian’s classroom for the Investment Club meeting. Co-presidents Michael Henry, Samvit Choudhary, and Colin McAloon would lead discussions on the latest market trends, analyze companies’ long-term investability, and, most importantly, participate in the Market Watch mock portfolio competition. In the Market Watch simulation, students receive $10,000 in fake money to invest in the stock market and recreate a real Wall Street experience. This year, however, with Mrs. Tavtigian retired and all three presidents off to college, it looked like the Investment Club was going to start the year with a lot of uncertainty. That was the case until two students stepped up to reignite the popular club.
At the beginning of the school year, juniors Andrew Kruep and Frank Peralta were reminiscing about last year’s heated Market Watch competitions when they realized that there were no advisors or presidents for the Investment Club for the 2025-26 school year. Both having an interest in finance and the stock market, the two contacted Financial Literacy and Economics teacher Mr. Kempner to be their advisor for the club. After securing his support, the two got in contact with Assistant Principal Mrs. Kelly, who approved the restart of the club. Mrs. Kelly also suggested the idea of merging the Investment Club with the Business Club and the Marketing Club, both advised by Mr. Kempner.
“The merge made sense for us. It allowed for easier management and potential participation between club leaders to combine on projects,” said Kruep. While all three clubs are technically under one umbrella, they will hold their own meetings.
On October 30, the revitalized Investment Club had its first meeting, where the co-presidents Kruep and Peralta introduced the goals of the club as well as started up the first Market Watch simulation of the year.
The two presidents are enthusiastic about their shared goal of spreading financial literacy across the high school.
“Investment Club allows you to practice real-world situations in finance and the stock market,” said Peralta.
“[Investing] can support you financially for the rest of your life,” added Kruep.
With nearly 70% of high school students nationwide finding investing to be intimidating, the club looks to change that outlook for students with a low-stakes environment that gives them a chance to learn the valuable skill of investing without the fear of losing everything.
“Investment Club has taught me how to make over $400 in real stocks,” said junior Connor Killian.
While the turnout did not reach the levels of the previous year, several students stopped by to learn more about the club and express their interest. The two presidents plan to have several more meetings throughout the year, and of course, several Market Watch competitions.
If you are interested in learning about the market and testing your investing skills this year, consider joining the Investment Club under new guidance!
The code to join the Google Classroom is: hzfd5dz.
Any questions about the club can be directed to Andrew ([email protected]) or Frank ([email protected]).