Hunter HS Economics Team Wins National Economics Challenge and International Championship

Hunter College High School’s Economics Team achieved an extraordinary victory at the 2026 National Economics Challenge (NEC), earning both national and international titles while competing against top student economists from across the country and around the world.

Held at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta from May 27–29, the National Economics Challenge is one of the nation’s premier academic competitions in economics. Nearly 10,000 students nationwide participate annually, demonstrating their knowledge of microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global economics through critical thinking presentations and high-intensity Quiz Bowl competitions.

Representing Hunter among the Top 8 teams in the nation, two HCHS teams (David Ricardo Team & Adam Smith Team) delivered exceptional performances.

Hunter’s David Ricardo Team,freshmen Mihir K., Ivy P., Ronav S., and Maile T., earned 1st Place in the Nation after an outstanding showing in both the presentation and Quiz Bowl rounds.Their presentation explored the economic implications of global aging and declining populations, impressing judges with thoughtful analysis and insight. During the Quiz Bowl, the team built an early lead and secured the national championship.The team then advanced to the International Quiz Bowl, where they faced a team from China in a dramatic overtime match. Hunter prevailed by one point, earning the title of 2026 International Champions!

Hunter’s Adam Smith Team,seniors Winnie M. and Xiayang H., alongside juniors Joseph P. and Alexei V., also delivered an outstanding performance, advancing through the Critical Thinking Presentation round and earning 2nd Place in the Nation. In a highly competitive Quiz Bowl match against Lambert High School (GA), the team battled to the final question, narrowly missing first place by just one point.

Congratulations to both teams and to Coach Ellen Fox and Elizabeth Fox for an extraordinary achievement representing Hunter College High School on the national and international stage!