Harker’s team of Albert Wu, Ramya Rangan, Max Isenberg, and Warren Zhang,. all seniors, made it all the way to the National Economics Challenge final round in New York City before going down in a tight, lightning quick buzzer round to a very worthy opponent from Belmont, Mass.

More than 5,700 students from 33 states participated in this competition, and the team had to win both California and place in the top four in a regional exam to make it to New York for the finals. Then, they finished in the top two of the first round to make it to the final day! At the national final, students completed rounds of testing, worked in teams to solve case problems, and participated in a quick-paced oral quiz bowl in order to compete for the title of national champions.

Advisor Samuel Lepler noted, “The team worked very hard, and it’s the first time Harker has been in the championship match! The kids were great and it was an amazing experience for everyone. First in California and second in all of America … not too shabby!”