5th grader wins top writing prize

Essay on financial sector takes honor

MIDDLETOWN — A fifth-grade Macdonough Elementary School student was surprised recently to learn her essay about the financial sector won a first-place award in a national writing competition.

Layla Pini finished as a state winner in the 4th to 5th grade of SIFMA Foundation’s annual InvestWrite Competition, a national essay challenge that puts students’ knowledge of capital markets, stocks, bonds and mutual funds to the test, according to the organization. The school ceremony March 23 celebrated her accomplishments and acknowledged her STEM teacher John Ferrero for helping students learn and understand the economy.

The InvestWrite Competition serves as a culminating essay competition for thousands of fourththrough 12th-graders nationwide who compete each year in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game, an online simulation that prompts students to invest a hypothetical $100,000 in stocks, bonds and mutual funds, according to a news release.

Layla’s winning essay was chosen after rigorous judging by teachers and industry professionals who evaluate students’ understanding of asset classes, diversification, capital markets and factors that drive investments. The SIFMA Foundation is dedicated to fostering knowledge and understanding of the financial markets for individuals of all backgrounds, with a focus on youth.

Drawing on the support and expertise of the financial industry, it provides financial education programs and tools that strengthen economic opportunities across communities and increase individuals’ access to the benefits of the global marketplace, according to its website.

For information, visit: sifma.org/foundation.

Contributed photo Middletown student Layla Pini, center, with her father, James Pini and STEM teacher John Ferrero.