Local Congressman Visits with Oak Knoll Eighth Grade

The eighth-graders at Oak Knoll School of the Holy Child received a special visit from U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7) on Monday, February 23, when the congressman discussed current events, issues before the Congress, and the students’ participation in a national financial education competition.

During the visit, which took place in the Mother Mary Campion Center for the Performing Arts, students in Ms. Nicole Johnston’s Upper School history classes had an opportunity to ask the congressman questions about his policy that they researched, and even delve into his personal aspirations and what he loved most about his job.

“The eighth grade recently finished studying the legislative branch, where they created their own legislation and played the roles of senators and representatives in a Mock Congress,” Johnston said. “The congressman’s visit makes the lesson more real and relevant.”

Most significantly, she said, the students were eager to chat with Lance about participating in the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association’s Capitol Hill Challenge.

Schools participating in the association’s annual Stock Market Game (where they manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio and invest in real stocks, bonds and mutual funds) may partner with a local member of congress; only two schools may participate within the member of congress’s district.The 10 Capitol Hill Challenge teams at the end of the competition with the highest-ranked portfolios (one winning team per member of Congress) will win a trip to Washington, D.C.

“The Capitol Hill Project is an extensive project covering close to four months,” Johnston said. “It allows our girls to work as teams to trade stocks and compete against students from across the country. It is interdisciplinary in nature as math and technology are key components. Government leadership and STEM are all areas where females need to play a larger role. Congressman Lance’s visit, as well as the Capitol Hill Project, inspire our girls to look into these fields.”

Last year, one of Oak Knoll’s Stock Market Game teams finished first and another second in the region out of a field of 38 teams.Lance said he was “very impressed” by the students of Oak Knoll.

“I enjoyed walking the campus and hearing from young people regarding issues facing our nation,” he said. “I was also pleased to meet with and congratulate the participants in the SIFMA Foundation Stock Market Game who are top competitors in learning the importance of saving, investing and financial literacy.”

Kenneth E. Bentsen Jr., SIFMA’s president and CEO, said, “We are looking forward watching how all the participants grow and learn in this year’s Capitol Hill Challenge. Our industry is committed to giving students the necessary tools to build a solid foundation of information, so they can one day achieve their financial goals.”

Click here for more on SIFMA’s Stock Market Game and Capitol Hill Challenge.