PHILADELPHIA – June 14, 2006 –Local
teen winners from Martin Luther King High School rang the opening
bell on the floor of the Philadelphia Stock Exchange on Thursday,
June 15. Remarks began promptly at 9:20 a.m., 10 minutes before
trading began.
The 12th-grade team, using virtual cash, turned a $100,000 investment
into $147,270 during the ten-week Stock Market Game™ simulation.
More than 8,000 Philadelphia students participated in the online
simulation this Spring as part of the Investing Pays Off ( IPO®
) program, made possible through a partnership between EconomicsPennsylvania
and Merrill Lynch. All 48 Philadelphia High Schools participate
in the game as part of the social studies curriculum.
The winners of the game are: Letitia Perez-Staten, Corrin Baylis
and Denise Smiley. With them were Jessica Wilkinson, Student Government
Vice President and Trish Latorture, Student Government Regional
Delegate. Laurence Sherzer, the winning teacher and David Mandell,
the head of the social studies department were also present.
The media is invited for photos and interviews.
About the PHLX: The Philadelphia Stock Exchange was founded in
1790. The PHLX trades 1,943 stocks, 2,231 equity options, 19 sectors
index options and currency options and futures. For more information
about the PHLX and its products, visit www.phlx.com.
About EconomicsPennsylvania: EconomicsPennsylvania is a not for
profit organization specializing in economic and financial literacy
programs, K – 12, across the state. Their overall mission
is to promote and encourage understanding of economic and financial
concepts through education. Through their Center for Economic Education
at Temple University, EconomicsPennsylvania has been working with
Philadelphia teachers for over 10 years to incorporate a variety
of economic programs that help develop financial, entrepreneurial
and economic student skills.
About Merrill Lynch’s Philanthropy: Merrill Lynch was founded
on the idea that the world is full of opportunity. Opening the door
to that opportunity for underserved children and youth is the focus
of the firm’s global philanthropy. In 2005, Merrill Lynch
giving totaled more than $37 million, with education receiving nearly
half of that support. Merrill Lynch's flagship program Investing
Pays Off® -or IPO® -helps create a level playing field for
youngsters of all backgrounds through financial literacy and business
savvy. The program strength lies in a free curriculum, the involvement
of Merrill Lynch volunteers and online educational resources at
http://volunteer.ml.com
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