Saint Joseph High School accounting students placed eighth in the H&R Block Budget Challenge out of over six hundred schools that participated nationwide.  Their placement prize was a check presented by H&R Block for a $2,500 grant.  

The accounting class was led by business and technology teacher Yvonne Rex.  

"I am thrilled that my accounting class scored or placed eighth in the country out of six hundred and thirty classes,” said Rex.  “They worked really hard, it's not an easy thing to do."

The challenge was to get students to learn how to deal with the same real world finances as adults, without any critical consequences.  The online simulation taught students how to do things such as pay bills, pay taxes and invest in retirement.

"My experience with the challenge was that it was a great thing to do,” said senior Garrett Loitz.  “Prior to this challenge my only experience with finances were very minimal, figuring how much you had left on a gift card, something like that.”

After the challenge the students said they felt more prepared to handle their finances.

"You can do this by yourself and other students I think I highly encourage them to do it,” said Loitz. “The simulation regardless of whether or not you'll place nationally, regardless of whether or not you're interested in a business career, it will fundamentally help you with life skills that are important no matter what."