Dr. Cheryl Ring and her Personal Finance students at the Academies of West Memphis High School have continued to set the standard for excellence, earning top rankings at both the state and national levels through the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification. Since 2022, these students have achieved 1st place nationally three times and 1st place in the state of Arkansas five times, a remarkable accomplishment that highlights both consistency and excellence. This success reflects not only the talent of the students, but also the dedication, structure, and high expectations that define Dr. Ring’s classroom.
In Personal Finance, students learn essential life skills that go far beyond the classroom. They gain knowledge in budgeting, saving, investing, credit management, taxes, insurance, and financial decision-making. These are the very skills they will rely on as they step into adulthood—whether it is managing a paycheck, understanding credit cards, applying for loans, or planning for their future. The goal is simple: to prepare students to be financially responsible, confident, and independent individuals who are ready to navigate real-world financial responsibilities.
This level of achievement does not happen by chance. It is the direct result of hard work, commitment, and a shared vision of success. Dr. Ring and her students dedicate countless hours to mastering complex financial concepts, practicing test strategies, and holding themselves to a standard of excellence. Their accomplishments are a true reflection of perseverance, discipline, and pride in their work.
Special thanks go to Superintendent Mr. Eric Foister and Principal Mr. Jimmy Sloan for their continued support of academic excellence and career readiness at the Academies of West Memphis. Their leadership helps create an environment where programs like Personal Finance can thrive and where students are given every opportunity to succeed.
Watch video here: https://tinyurl.com/yc5a5v28

