Cambrian College Stock Market Challenge Crowns Top Young Investors

SUDBURY – After six weeks of market volatility, strategy, and competition, Cambrian College has officially crowned the winners of its inaugural High School Stock Market Challenge, an experiential learning competition that introduced more than 350 Sudbury-area high school students to the world of investing and financial literacy.

The challenge saw students begin with a simulated $100,000 portfolio and compete to generate the highest returns through stock market trading decisions over a six-week period.

“This challenge gave students a hands-on opportunity to explore investing, financial decision-making, and the realities of market volatility in a fun and competitive environment,” says Craig O’Neill, a professor in Cambrian’s Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business. “It was exciting to see so many students engage with the experience and demonstrate strong analytical thinking, creativity, and financial curiosity.”

Taking top spot overall was Dane Nielsen from Lasalle Secondary School, who achieved an impressive return of more than 20 per cent during the competition. Dane earned a $500 Cambrian College scholarship along with a $100 Amazon gift card.

“I learned how important patience, research, and risk management are when investing in the stock market,” says Dane Nielsen. “The experience taught me that successful investing is not just about making quick decisions, but about understanding market trends, company performance, and staying disciplined under pressure. I may pursue the business field in the future. Right now, I’m still exploring different career paths and continuing to build my knowledge of the stock market and finance.”

The overall top three finishers included:

• 1st Place: Dane Nielsen (Lasalle Secondary School) – $500 Cambrian scholarship and $100 Amazon gift card.
• 2nd Place: Jack O’Connell (Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School) – $500 Cambrian scholarship and $50 Amazon gift card.
• 3rd Place: Grayson Hingst (Lasalle Secondary School) – $500 Cambrian scholarship and $25 Amazon gift card.

In addition to the overall awards, weekly prizes were presented throughout the challenge to recognize top-performing student investors each week:

• Week 1: Ganesh Bhagavatula (Lockerby Composite School)
• Week 2: Aryan Amin (Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School)
• Week 3: Dane Nielsen (Lasalle Secondary School)
• Week 4: Ayden Beaudoin (Lively District Secondary School)
• Week 5: Maili Jutila (Lockerby Composite School)
• Week 6: Jack O’Connell (Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School)

“Students in Rainbow Schools have made us very proud by garnering top honours in this competition,” says Bruce Bourget, Chief Executive Officer of the Rainbow District School Board. “When students apply their knowledge in a hands-on way, they gain a deeper understanding of what they are learning and why it matters. We thank Cambrian’s business professors for working with our business teachers to give students a tangible experience in a field that offers tremendous opportunities.”

Cambrian College thanks all participating students, teachers, and schools for making the inaugural competition a success and looks forward to future editions of the challenge.

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Cambrian College is Northern Ontario’s largest college, with more than 90 programs, including degree-level programs. Cambrian is also a global institution, with students from more than 60 countries. Cambrian’s main campus is in Greater Sudbury, with satellite centres in Espanola and Little Current. For more information about Cambrian College, visit cambriancollege.ca/about-cambrian.

Cambrian College’s strategic mandate is to deliver education that fosters creativity, resilience, and personal growth for continued career success; create a warm, inclusive experience that strengthens Cambrian’s vibrant culture; and forge strategic regional and global partnerships that fuel recruitment, unlock learner success, and accelerate innovation and productivity. Read Cambrian’s full 2025-30 Strategic Plan at cambriancollege.ca/strategic-plan.

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 We acknowledge and respect that we are gathered on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe People of Turtle Island and proudly recognize our local host Atikameksheng Anishnawbek. We also recognize the contributions of Wahnapitae First Nation and the Metis Nation of Ontario.

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Dan Lessard
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