MIHS junior Kopelovich crowned Washington State Stock Market Game champion
Published 7:30 am Friday, September 5, 2025
Special to the Reporter
Mercer Island High School (MIHS) junior Isaiah Kopelovich has earned top honors in the Washington State Stock Market Game yearlong competition, outpacing 400 teams from 18 different schools across the state.
Unlike many competitors, Kopelovich built his winning portfolio by combining two very different approaches: relying on the steady returns of blue-chip companies while also venturing into high-potential biotech stocks. His ability to balance reliable investments with carefully chosen risks, paired with his consistent tracking of market developments, set him apart in the statewide field.
“My strategy focused on balancing stability and growth. I invested in established blue-chip companies for steady performance, while also taking calculated risks with biotech stocks that had high potential for short-term gains. Staying informed on market trends and company news helped me make timely decisions throughout the competition,” Kopelovich explained.
The Stock Market Game, operated by the SIFMA Foundation, offers students a chance to manage a simulated $100,000 portfolio. Through hands-on experience buying and selling stocks, bonds and mutual funds, students learn not only about financial markets but also about decision-making, economics and strategic planning.
Kopelovich’s victory marks the second consecutive year that MIHS has produced the state champion, a distinction that highlights both individual excellence and the strength of the school’s DECA and CTE program, which emphasizes real-world financial literacy and career readiness. Class of 2025 alumnus Jack Isaacs won the Stock Market Game in August of 2024.
Looking ahead, Kopelovich plans to deepen his exploration into finance and investment. His success serves as both a personal milestone and an inspiration to peers, underscoring the importance of financial education in preparing students for the future.
