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Vashon Lamont Hill, Chief of Marketing and Communications
Email: vhill@plainfield.k12.nj.us
Phone Number: (908) 731-4442 (Office)
Plainfield Students Named Winners in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. – Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter 2026 Stock Market Challenge
PLAINFIELD, NJ – April 15, 2026 – Plainfield Public Schools is proud to celebrate the success of its students who were named winners in the 2026 Stock Market Challenge, a statewide financial literacy initiative led by the Zeta Nu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated.
Throughout the month of March, Jaylen Louis, a junior at Plainfield High School, and Graidelys Jimenez, a senior at Plainfield Academy for the Arts and Advanced Studies participated in the four-week virtual program, where they managed a simulated $100,000 investment portfolio while learning real-world strategies around investing, market trends, and financial decision-making. The experience challenged students to think critically, take calculated risks, and apply financial concepts in real time.
Graidelys Jimeniez said, “The Stock Market Challenge provided students with a great opportunity to learn about investing, while also building their financial literacy through workshops and hands-on experiences.”
Among the participants, Plainfield students stood out, earning top recognition in a competitive field that included districts from across New Jersey and beyond, including Union, Teaneck, Hillside, West Orange, Newark, and even Wake County Public Schools in North Carolina.
Louis and Graidelys were named among this year’s winners, demonstrating not only strong financial decision-making skills, but also the discipline and confidence needed to navigate complex market scenarios. As part of their achievement, each winner will receive $100 invested into a custodial brokerage account, giving them an early start in building long-term financial independence.
The program, now in its sixth year, continues to provide students with meaningful exposure to financial literacy, an essential life skill that extends far beyond the classroom. Through a partnership with Valley Bank, students also engaged in sessions focused on personal branding, credit awareness, and fraud prevention, further strengthening their understanding of financial responsibility.
For Plainfield Public Schools, this recognition reflects the district’s continued commitment to preparing students for success in every aspect of life. Opportunities like the Stock Market Challenge not only build knowledge, but also empower students to see themselves as future investors, leaders, and decision-makers.
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For more information on the Plainfield Public School District or this story, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at information@plainfield.k12.nj.us or by phone at, (908) 731-4442.