By Christine Erntson, Director of Communication and Community Engagement

May 12, 2025 | 5 p.m.

We’re proud to announce that Avery Gusciora, an 8th grader at PACT Charter School, has placed first in the state of Minnesota in the InvestWrite competition, which is part of the Stock Market Game program sponsored by the SIFMA Foundation.

Avery’s essay stood out among thousands of entries from across the state, showcasing her impressive understanding of investment strategies, financial literacy, and critical thinking. Her thoughtful, well-crafted writing not only earned her the top spot in Minnesota but also advanced to the national level of the competition, where it will be judged against the best entries from students nationwide.

The InvestWrite competition challenges students to apply their knowledge of economics, personal finance, and investing by responding to real-world scenarios in essay form. It serves as the culminating activity for students participating in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game, a widely recognized educational program that teaches students how financial markets work and builds essential life skills.

You can learn more about the competition at investwrite.org or through the SIFMA Foundation’s website at sifmafoundation.org.

Congratulations, Avery, on this incredible achievement—and best of luck at the national level!