Economics Challenge
2008 Results
On April 7, seventy-three high school students from eight Illinois schools competed in the annual competition for economics students, Econ Challenge. Students competed in either advanced placement economics (the Adam Smith division) or general economics (the David Ricardo division.) The Illinois competition was held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and consisted of individual and team tests, ending with a final buzzer round. |
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The winning teams in each division advanced to the Central Region Econ Challenge competition held online April 29th, 2008. Winning students from 13 states vied for top honors in the Central Region competition. |
CNN’s coverage of the Econ Challenge Finals in New York City on May 19th, 2008. |
Winning students in the Illinois Econ Challenge received medals, U.S. savings bonds and a trophy to display at their school. Runner-up teams received medals. All teachers and students participating in the event received 2008 Illinois Econ Challenge gift items and certificates of participation.
Participating Illinois schools:
- Carl Sandburg H S, Orland Park; teacher Fred Peronto
- Homewood-Flossmoor H S, Flossmoor; teacher Scott McAlister
- Joliet Central H S, Joliet; teacher John Wietlispach
- Niles West H S, Skokie; teacher Shaun Waldron
- Northside College Prep H S, Chicago; teacher John Belcaster
- Wheaton North H S, Downers Grove; teacher Pete Macabobby
- Willowbrook H S, Villa Park; teacher Brian Eslick
- York Community H S, Elmhurst; teacher Laura Olson
Illinois Econ Challenge winners are as follows:
- Adam Smith Division (Advanced Placement)
Winning team: Wheaton North H S, coached by teacher Pete Macabobby and Phyllis Kidd. Team members - Gregory G, Jonathan I, David M and Kevin N.
See Photo of team
Runner-up team: Homewood-Flossmoor H S, coached by teacher Scott McAlister. Team members - Dean F, Donald G, Grant S and LeRoy W.
See Photo of team - David Ricardo Division (General Economics)
Winning team: Willowbrook H S, coached by teacher Brian Eslick. Team members - Brandy H, Anna L and Jennifer V (3 members.)
See Photo of team
Runner-up team: Willowbrook H S, coached by teacher Brian Eslick. Team members - Hannah E, Maryann K, Brian S and Monica T.
See Photo of team
Central Region Econ Challenge
Thirteen states competed for Central Region Champion 2008 honors online April 29. The states of Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Dakota, Ohio, Tennessee and Wisconsin were represented. Competing teams had each won their own state's competition, in either the Adam Smith Division or the David Ricardo Division, in order to move on to the Central Region competition.
Students on the top teams at the Central Region competition received savings bonds and medals. Teachers also received cash awards.
The winning team in each division advanced to the National Econ Challenge competition in New York City in late May, competing against teams from the Eastern and Western Regions. In addition to the winning regional teams, the runner-up regional teams were eligible for a wild card spot at the national competition.
Representing Illinois in the Central Region competition were Wheaton North H S in the Adam Smith division and Willowbrook H S in the David Ricardo division.
Results for the Central Region competition:
- Adam Smith Division
Winner: Vestavia H S, Vestavia Hills, AL
Runner-up: Carmel H S, Carmel, IN
- David Ricardo Division
Winner: Little Falls Sr H S, Little Falls, MN
Runner-up: Carmel H S, Carmel, IN
