LCHS Students Advance to Finals in Personal Finance Challenge
LaRue County High School students recently earned a spot in the final round of the Kentucky Personal Finance Challenge, placing among the top six teams in the state following the opening stage of competition.
The team, made up of seniors Brooke Lyvers and Gabriel Rock, along with juniors Izabelly Diaz, Caydence Engle, and Lily Edlin, secured their advancement after competing in a rigorous first round that included a comprehensive multiple-choice exam covering key financial literacy concepts.
Following their strong performance, the group advanced to the final round held at Northern Kentucky University, where they were tasked with presenting a detailed financial plan based on a real-world case study. The presentation required students to analyze a hypothetical family’s financial situation and offer recommendations focused on long-term stability and wealth-building strategies.
“This competition allows students to build a financial plan through extensive research, meeting with financial consultants, and present their recommendations of sound wealth building strategies to professionals,” said LCHS Business Teacher Daniel Rock. “I’m very proud of this team. They have locked in and are very focused as they prepared to deliver a strong plan.”
For students, the experience has gone beyond competition, offering a deeper understanding of real-world decision-making and personal responsibility.
“I have learned that sometimes you need sacrifice for what you really want in the near future,” said junior Izabelly Diaz. “I also learned to communicate thoughtfully and how to use what I have learned in class in the real world.”
Junior Lily Edlin said the experience has built confidence within the team. “One thing I’ve learned is to not underestimate yourself and be confident in your team.”
For senior Brooke Lyvers, the challenge shifted her perspective on what was possible. “When we started, I thought it was too much for us to complete in a week,” she said. “But through a lot of calculations and working with some amazing people, we were able to create a full plan. It was incredible to step back and see our finished work.”
Senior Gabriel Rock added that the experience carries long-term impact. “This showed me that financial decisions have real effects. I learned how to think critically about money and the importance of investing in my future.”
The team’s advancement highlights both their preparation and their ability to apply classroom learning in real-world scenarios as they compete among the top students in the state.
UPDATE 4/24/26:
LCHS students placed first in state in the competition.
