Baldwin High School students put their financial skills to the test this spring, earning top placements in Junior Achievement’s Stock Market Challenge and advancing to a championship competition that brought together teams from across Long Island and New York City.
Students in Baldwin High School’s Global Business and Entrepreneurship Academy competed in the live trading simulation, which challenged them to make quick investment decisions in a fast-moving, simulated stock market. The competition gave students a chance to apply lessons from Gregg Kelley’s College Personal Finance class in a setting designed to mirror the pressure and strategy of real-world investing.
The program began with an in-class competition in November, when students developed investment strategies and competed in a simulated marketplace led by a professional facilitator. The winning team — Isaiah Vielot, Ojas Taneja, Donato Salerno and Jackson Roberts — advanced to the regional competition. A second in-class competition was held during Kelley’s spring College Personal Finance class, with Lenny Pochon, Shane Platel, Adolfo Lopez-Salvador and Zajin Ramirez earning the top spot.
At the Junior Achievement Regional Competition at Hofstra University in March, Baldwin students placed first and third among participating schools. The first-place team included Jackson Roberts, Donato Salerno, Xavier Melendez and Isaiah Vielot. The third-place team included Lenny Pochon, Adolfo Lopez-Salvador and Zajin Ramirez. Both teams qualified for the Long Island and New York City Championship.
During the New York City regional event in April, which included 30 teams, Baldwin’s teams placed seventh and 11th.
“The JA Stock Market Challenge gave us the chance to think like real investors and make fast decisions under pressure,” Melendez said. “It wasn’t just about buying and selling stocks — it taught us teamwork, strategy, and how the financial world works in real time.”
Kelley said watching students apply classroom lessons in a competitive setting was a proud moment for the Business Department.
“This competition isn’t just about numbers; it’s about watching these young leaders apply complex economic theories to high-pressure, real-time scenarios,” Kelley said.
Dr. Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs, said the competition reflected Baldwin’s commitment to hands-on learning through its School2Career initiatives.
“We’re also proud to partner with Junior Achievement, and with Mr. Gregory Kelley’s guidance, our students gained firsthand experience and built skills that will last beyond the classroom,” Franza said.
