A Spring Hill Middle School student has earned third place nationally in the Fall 2025 InvestWrite® Middle School National Essay Competition, finishing in the top three among 1,732 student entries from across the country.
Ryan Stewart, a student at Spring Hill Middle School, was honored Tuesday during a school assembly. The Kansas Council for Economic Education (KCEE), which administers the competition statewide, joined school officials, Ryan's family and district leaders to mark the achievement.
"This is exactly the kind of thinking we work to develop in our students every day," said Mark Meek, principal, Spring Hill Middle School. "Ryan rose to a national stage and represented Spring Hill Middle School with excellence. We couldn't be more proud."
InvestWrite® is the essay component of the Stock Market Game™, a national financial education program that challenges students to apply concepts in investing, economics and financial decision-making. After participating in the Stock Market Game simulation, students submit essays explaining their investment strategies, risk management decisions and economic reasoning. Essays are judged nationally for clarity, financial understanding and evidence-based thinking.
Ryan's finish marks the third time a Kansas student has placed in the national top 10, continuing a streak of statewide success in the competition.
Ryan received a laptop, journal and pen, and a medal and certificate. Spring Hill Middle School also received a trophy in recognition of the achievement.
The event was coordinated through KCEE, which is based at Wichita State University and provides teacher training, classroom resources and statewide coordination for the Stock Market Game™ and InvestWrite® programs.
"We are incredibly proud of Ryan and the learning environment that made this possible," said Sydney Deane, Ryan's teacher at Spring Hill Middle School. "Achievements like this reflect what our students are capable of when they are challenged to think deeply and communicate with purpose."
About the Kansas Council for Economic Education
The Kansas Council for Economic Education (KCEE) promotes economic and financial literacy education in Kansas schools. Based at Wichita State University, KCEE administers the Stock Market Game™ and InvestWrite® competition statewide. For more information, visit kcee.wichita.edu or call 316.978.5183.
About Spring Hill Schools
Spring Hill Schools is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in education. Serving more than 4,000 students across ten schools, the district prioritizes preparing learners for a bright and prosperous future.
Media Contact:
Scott Peavey
Director of Communication and Engagement
Spring Hill Schools, USD 230
www.usd230.org
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