A team of students from Freehold Township High School came up a winner in the 2017 Monmouth County Consumer Bowl, a game-show-style competition for high school students that was held on Feb. 14 at the Monmouth County Fire Academy, Howell.
Students from seven high schools answered consumer-related questions in a multiple choice and open-ended format to test their knowledge of consumer issues, such as Internet fraud and buying and leasing automobiles, according to a press release from Monmouth County.
The six-member team from Freehold Township earned its 2017 title against students from Colts Neck, Freehold, Howell, Manalapan, Raritan and Saint John Vianney high schools.
“The best part about this program is that all of our participating young adults gained some knowledge about what it takes to help them be smarter consumers and possibly future consumer advocates,” said Monmouth County Freeholder Serena DiMaso, who was on hand to congratulate the winners.
“It is also a great way to promote the county’s Consumer Affairs office, which enforces consumer laws and helps people who suspect they might be victims of unscrupulous business practices,” she said.
In the final round, Freehold Township faced off against Howell High School. Though the scores were close, the Freehold Township team was victorious and won the title for the seventh time in eight years, according to the press release.
“It is important that teens understand consumer and business concepts like credit and identity theft, banking and fraud, marketing and advertising,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Division of Consumer Affairs. “Consumer Bowl participants are a step ahead of their peers with their knowledge of consumer issues and are well-prepared to tackle issues in the marketplace.”
Team members are Anna Landre (captain), Matthew Bernstein, Jake LaFronz, Michael Galanaugh and Raiyan Hussain. The team’s adviser is Dan Cooper.
Freehold Township will participate in the regional competition on April 6. The winner of that event will compete in the 2017 New Jersey State Consumer Bowl in May in Trenton.
