Oconee County Students and Teacher Earn Top State and National Honors in Financial Literacy

The School District of Oconee County is celebrating significant achievements in the SIFMA Foundation’s Stock Market Game™ and InvestWrite Challenge. Avery Phillips of West-Oak Middle School placed first in South Carolina in the middle school division of the InvestWrite Challenge, while Coby Wood of Walhalla High School took first place in the state high school division and earned an impressive 6th place nationally. Additionally, West-Oak Middle School teacher Debra Wallace received the prestigious Dr. Gary Stone Multiplier of the Year Award from the South Carolina Council on Economic Education for her outstanding teaching, leadership, and mentorship. Superintendent Andy Smith praised the students and educator, stating that these accomplishments reflect the district’s strong commitment to real-world learning and excellence in financial literacy.