CALUMET -- How do you decide on the best investment for your money?  That's what a team of Calumet High School students had to figure out at the Business Professionals of America's National competion in California.  And this team is use to winning. 

They're star athletes and standout students.  Now Judy Isaacson, Nathan Sturos, Kathleen Moyryla and Steven Helminen can also add nationally-ranked Business Professionals of America to their already impressive resumes.

The Calumet High School seniors have been studying business books and financial formulas since last fall, fitting it in between school, homework, jobs, and various sports commitments.  The hard work paid off when the team took third place in the financial analysis competition at the 2010 National Leadership Conference.

"We knew we were in the top 10, so we knew we'd be on stage, but we never expected to get third place," says Isaacson.  "It was a great experience."

The team proved their finance savvy during the national competition by completing and defending an investment scenario.  They had to advise a woman with a $100,000 inheritance, which one of three companies would provide the best return.

"There were so many people there for the same reason--to do their best and try to come out on top," says Sturos.  "When we were called on stage, it was pretty exciting."

BPA Advisor Lisa Twardzik, who also coaches one of the girls in volleyball, says she's taken a few other students to nationals before, but she wasn't surprised by this team's high achievement, the best showing by any Calumet students.

"They're shining examples of what students should strive to be, and they'll serve as excellent role models for our underclassmen," says Twardzik.

While all four students are heading to college, Twardzick hopes to make their success a tradition at Calumet and expects their performance will make next year's recruiting a little easier.