Mr. Ed Smith

Today was the big day.  We find out who won the prize money.  All the participants from each country were well mannered and focused during competition.  However, the toughest part is there are only three top winners for the prize money.

Glasgow’s VJC Bank ended up as the Fourth Best Bank in North America missing third place by only 40 points.  Officials monitoring the competition said this was one of the closest competitions in the past four years.  The deciding factor came down to the very last decision in the 22^nd quarter.  As Tyler Mathersion of CNBC said all the students participating in the North American Championship are winners and our future leaders.

As for me, their teacher, I am very proud of their accomplishment and their hard work!!  The 4th best student-run bank in North Amercia out of 42 high schools in not bad at all!! :-)

We are preparing for another tour of NYC and more pictures will follow later tonight or tomorrow.

Lee Vue

Today, we had the final rounds of competition and we think we made the final 3 and are getting some prize money.

Brittany Miller

I went to the TV studios of NBC and CNBC.  At NBC, we met the national weather lady Janice Huff and I got a picture with her.  We ate Chinese food and I got to try duck for the first time and it was good.

Arely Vazquez

I liked when we went to CNBC and NBC headquarters at the Rockefeller Center.  Dinner was at a Chinese Restaurant and Lee tried to teach me how to eat with the chop sticks.

After 20 quarters, Glasgow's VJC Bank was in second place in the final and deciding round of the JA Banks in Action-N. American Championships.  The total number of quarters played were 22.  The team came out of the "War Room" smiling and confident that they did their best.

They have just left to visit the CNBC Studios for their tour.  Once they return, they will receive a private tour of the NBC Studios, go to dinner, then visit "Ground-Zero".

Check back after 12 noon tomorrow for an update.

Tuesday

YES.  They are one of the Top 5 student banks in North America. The final round will begin at 9:30 am and go to 11:20 am.  The top three winners will be announced at the awards breakfast on Wednesday morning.

After competition today, they will go to lunch and then go the the CNBC studios.  They may be a good chance that they may appear on the CNBC program Lunch Power Hour.  This would be anytime between 12:30 pm and 2 pm.

Good Luck Glasgow's VJC Bank

Monday

Arely Vazquez

When we went to Dave & Busters, we had fun and the food was good!  When we got to the M&M Store in Time Square, I got lost amongst all those M&Ms.

The team ran their bank in a 20 quarter (5 years) simulation and finished second in their industry, in the first round.  In the second round, the simulation was for 16 quarters (4 years) and finished third.  They will be told on Tuesday morning if they made the Top 5.  The Top 5 will compete for the prize money.

VJC finished Round One in second place in their industry.  Overall, they are in third place.  Round Two continues at 1 p.m.

Reviewing and practicing on Sunday night.

Brittany Miller

I liked when we played the bingo because I found out so many interesting things about people.  Including someone having a pig valve in their heart.  Also, this is my first time ever at an outback was so good!

Arely Vazquez

When we played the bingo icebreaker, it was fun because we met new people.  Also, we knew something they liked or were a part of their life.

 

Brittany Miller

I’m excited!  This is my first train ride to anywhere.  We’re going to win this competition and meet a lot of new people.  I wish to go back to sleep but I’m not allowed to, yet.  I can’t wait.  I am also afraid to ride the subway.

Arely Vazquez

I am excited to have a great time, meet new people, and go to new places.  I hope we win.  I feel happy nervous, and excited.

Lee Vue

As we ride this train, my emotions are of little weird, excited and don’t care.  My idea is to win the prize money.  My expectations are that it’s going to be a good time and a great experience for everyone on this trip.