Millard North, Bellevue East win Economics Challenge State Championship

High school teams from Bellevue and Omaha outpaced other competitors in the annual Nebraska Economics Challenge State Championship hosted by the Nebraska Council on Economic Education March 27 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. The council is located at the UNL College of Business Administration.

The challenge pitted 19 teams from 10 high schools from across the state in a competition to determine who has the greatest knowledge of economics.

"It was very encouraging to see such statewide diversity and participation," said Jennifer Davidson, NCEE president and assistant professor of practice in economics. "This year's competition was a testament of the teachers in our communities across Nebraska working hard to ensure students are given the economic skills they need to lead informed, productive lives."

The winning team in the Adam Smith Division for advanced placement, international baccalaureate and honors students was from Millard North High School in Omaha. Team members were Neil Band, Sukarn Chokkara, Priya Kukreja and Raymond Thai. The team coach was Jeff Gustafson.

The runner-up team was from Millard South High School and coached by Seth Woodke. Team members were Noah Albrecht, Jordan Newsom, Tatum Stenger and Zach Warneke.

The winning team in the David Ricardo Division for single semester economics students was from Bellevue East High School. Team members were Zachary Correll, Andrew Godwin, Greyson Kreis and Colton Patrick. The team was coached by PK Simmons.

The runner-up team was from Waverly High School and coached by Trent Goldsmith. Team members were Philip Faughn, Seth Howe, Austin Loveless and Tony Trausch.

Both state championship teams will go on to complete in the national semifinals on April 14. The top four teams from that round will advance to compete nationally in New York City in May.

Additional photo: http://newsroom.unl.edu/releases/downloadables/photo/20150402-econ-waverly.jpg