The Rhode Island Council for Economic Education (RICEE) is incredibly proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the Cranston High School West Personal Finance team!
After capturing the 1st Place title at the statewide 2026 RI Personal Finance Challenge, team members Segev Hafar, Aariv Goyal, and Jonah Jimenez, led by their dedicated teacher and coach, Craig Hughes, traveled to Atlanta to represent the Ocean State on the national stage.
Making Waves at the National Finals
Competing at the National Personal Finance Challenge Finals held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, our Rhode Island state champions went head-to-head with top-tier teams from across the country.
Faced with rigorous financial case studies spanning investing, credit, and long-term planning, Segev, Aariv, and Jonah demonstrated exceptional critical thinking. Guided by Mr. Hughes, their stellar teamwork and analytical prowess successfully propelled them forward as they qualified for the highly competitive second round.
After a hard-fought battle in the second round, the team suffered a tough beat, ultimately finishing in an impressive second place for that round. While it was a close match, their performance proves they belong among the very best young financial minds in the country.
Looking Ahead to 2027
True champions are defined by how they respond to a challenge, and this team is already looking forward. As they shared following the finals:
Qualified to the second round then had a tough beat and got second place in the second round. We will be back next year!
Congratulations to Segev, Aariv, Jonah, and Mr. Craig Hughes! Your hard work, discipline, and mastery of financial literacy have set a phenomenal example for students across Rhode Island. You have represented Cranston West and our entire state with immense distinction, and we cannot wait to see you dominate the competition next year!
About the Challenge
The National Personal Finance Challenge, hosted by the Council for Economic Education (CEE) in partnership with Voya Financial, brings together over 21,000 high school students annually to promote vital financial literacy skills.
This is an example that size does not matter. A team of three to four dedicated, hard-working, passionate students can fend well! Even from little ole Rhoddy!