Northern Kentucky University’s Center for Economic Education hosted the Kentucky Economics Challenge in partnership with the Kentucky Council for Economic Education and Central Bank. The Kentucky challenge sent the two local high school teams to the National Economics Challenge semi-finals.
Campbell County High School, coached by Ryan Goss, and St. Xavier High School, coached by Danny Blaser, represented Kentucky in the semi-final round of the Economic Challenge.
Campbell County team
This was the largest competition to date, with more than 10,500 students participating from 41 states. Campbell County placed 19th, and St. Xavier placed 32nd overall. NKU’s Abdullah Al-Bahrani is the Director of the Center for Economic Education and an Assistant Professor of Economics. Al-Bahrani helped coordinated the state level competition.
“This was a great showing for the first year,” said Al-Bahrani. “I am working with the schools to create new professional development for teachers so they are better prepared for next year.”
The National Economics Challenge recognizes exceptional high school students for their knowledge of economic principles and their ability to apply problem-solving and critical-thinking skills to real-world events.
“I am extremely proud of our students. Making it to the National Semi-Finals is a testament to their excellence as economic scholars,” said Ryan Gross, Campbell County High School teacher and coach.
St. X team
“I was thrilled to see one of the two teams from St. X finish in first place. I told the students just to do their best and not worry about the results, thinking that winning the state competition was unlikely,” said Danny Blaser, the coach and teacher at Saint Xavier. “They surprised me. They are just really talented and intelligent young men, and I am very happy for them.”
Both Kentucky state winners received $1,000 in prizes provided by the sponsor, Central Bank.
NKU’s Center for Economic Education is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of economic instruction at all grade levels in order to promote economic and financial literacy in the community. Under the leadership of Al-Bahrani, the Center serves the Northern Kentucky region and works to develop and promote financial fitness in all areas of life.
