Anyone needing advice on how to save and spend money wisely in today’s tough economic times may consider asking some local high school students.

Fourteen students at Sandy Creek High proved their financial skills by ranking in the top 20 percent on the National Financial Capability Challenge sponsored through the US Department of the Treasury. The following students are among the over 18,000 nationwide, 156 statewide, and the only ones from Fayette to place in the top 20 percent on the Challenge’s exam: Hong Cheng, Tyler Fields, Aundrey Flewellen, Ryan Hamill, Jordan Harrison, Alexander Hughes, Corey Kent, Jamarcus Mathis, Michael Munson, Jo-Marie Redley, Joshua Reynolds, Aaron Rynders, Levoyd Wardlow, and Aisha Williams.

These students, all from Jaime Nicks’ businesses and marketing classes, were among the more than 84,000 high school students nationwide who participated in the Challenge.

Students learned about earning and spending, saving and investing, using credit wisely, avoiding fraud, and paying for college so that they can better navigate their financial futures. The students and Nicks will receive awards certificates for their achievement.