Skyline High School Students Earn National Recognition for Economics Research

Three Skyline High School juniors have earned national recognition through the 2026 High School Fed Challenge.

Sourya Jaladi, Kruthik Ankam and Ayush Agarwal were selected as one of 12 student teams from hundreds of high schools across the country to have their paper published in the Journal of Future Economists by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

Their research paper, “The Economics of Music Catalogs: Why Yesterday’s Hits Have a Discount Rate,” explored the valuation of assets through the lens of music catalogs. The paper was reviewed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, including Chair Jerome Powell.

“Having our work reviewed by the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve, including Chair Jerome Powell, truly put the level of this competition into perspective,” Jaladi, Ankam and Agarwal shared.

The students were advised on the project by Skyline IB Business Management teacher Anna Dineen.

“The students did this completely on their own time,” Dineen said. “This was an economic research paper that was reviewed by top economists and the Federal Reserve. The paper explored the valuation of assets, specifically the valuation of music catalogs.”

Jaladi added, “We explored the B side of economics they don't teach you in school,” a reference to the B side of a vinyl record.

In a press release from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Heather Daly, head of economic education at the New York Fed, praised the students’ work.

“The papers combined a deep understanding of economics and a real sense of play,” Daly said. “The students explained complex economic topics in simple terms, demonstrating both their mastery of the concepts and creativity.”

Sarah Gunn, outreach manager at the Richmond Fed, also highlighted the students’ innovative approach to the competition theme.

“The theme, Economics of Music, allowed students to apply their understanding of economics in very interesting and entertaining ways,” Gunn said. “The different approaches to the topic allowed each group’s personal interests and economic thinking to shine.”

Congratulations to Sourya, Kruthik and Ayush on this outstanding achievement.