The student-led Peddie School Student Investment Committee (PSSIC) offers an unparalleled opportunity for high school students to gain real-world experience in investment management and financial analysis.
Established in 2022 with a generous gift from Michael Armellino ’57 GP’19, the PSSIC is one of the country’s few high school investment committees managing real money for the school’s endowment. This distinctive program sets Peddie apart from other high schools, offering students an extraordinary chance to develop financial acumen and leadership skills.
Key Features
Real Investment Experience: Students manage a portion of Peddie’s endowment, making actual trades that impact the school’s financial future.
Student-Led: While guided by a faculty advisor, the committee is entirely student-run, with decisions made through thorough research and democratic processes.
Diverse Perspectives: The committee consists of students with varied interests and backgrounds, fostering a rich environment for learning and decision-making.
Alumni Engagement: Students have direct access to accomplished alumni in the finance industry.
Long-Term Focus: Mirroring professional endowment management, the PSSIC emphasizes long-term, sustainable investment strategies.
Committee Structure
The PSSIC comprises nine students: three each from sophomore, junior and senior classes. This structure ensures continuity and mentorship within the group. Students are selected through a rigorous application process, emphasizing diversity of thought and passion for learning.
Faculty Advisor: Imad Labban, math teacher
2025–26 Members
President: Rohit Nunugonda ’26 Tevin Jiaqi Zhou ’26 Huike (Coco) Zhou ’26 Charlotte Ji Dressel ’27 Samantha Forte ’27 Timur Tyan ’27 Hiu Kwan (Darren) Kwok ’28 Amelia Kunamneni ’28 Narayan Venkatesh ’28
Alumni
Shruthika Padhy ’23 Yule Fu ’23 Andrew Poljevka ’23 Devjit Bhattacharya ’24 Ryan Thomas ’24 Emma Phelan ’24 Leena Mirchandani ’25 Tian Yun Cheung ’25 Justin Wang ’25
PSSIC is entirely student-led, giving us the rare opportunity to do work typically reserved for professionals. By bringing our diverse expertise to real investment decisions, we gain hands-on experience while responsibly supporting Peddie’s endowment.”
Rohit Nunugonda ’26 – PSSIC President
Investment Process
The PSSIC follows a structured approach to investment decisions:
Educational Foundation: New members learn fundamental analysis and key financial metrics.
Trend Identification: Students research emerging trends relevant to their generation.
In-Depth Analysis: Potential investments undergo thorough examination and peer review.
Democratic Decision-Making: Investment choices are made through majority vote after extensive debate.
Ongoing Monitoring: The portfolio is regularly reviewed and adjusted as needed.
Impact on Students
Participation in the PSSIC offers students:
A unique addition to their academic profile for college applications
Practical experience in financial analysis and decision-making
Development of critical thinking and research skills
Exposure to professional-level financial tools and resources
Networking opportunities with alumni in the finance industry
Joining PSSIC was an opportunity I knew I couldn’t miss. I knew that this committee would teach me a lot and introduce me to the world of finance. I am excited to meet new people, establish connections, and learn as much as I can in the next few years.”
Timur Tyan ’27
I am beyond excited to work in the PSSIC because I know the honor that it is to be trusted with a part of such an amazing institution’s endowment. I am ready to learn more about this new world of investing and finance, and I only hope to be able to give back to Peddie.”
Samantha Forte ’27
By joining PSSIC, I’m very grateful to get hands-on experience with finance, a chance to collaborate with talented peers, and gain insights that will guide my future path.”
Charlotte Ji Dressel ’27
To me, PSSIC is not only where I acquire knowledge about investment without any prerequisite understanding. It’s also where I can both receive mentorship that has greatly supported my journey and pass on this tradition to future committee members.”
Huike (Coco) Zhou ’26
Through PSSIC, I stay engaged with contemporary global developments from geopolitics to technological advancements, keeping me connected to the society I belong to. Meanwhile, I’m able to use that knowledge and collaborate with other students to give back to the Peddie community.”
Tevin Jiaqi Zhou ’26
Being a part of the PSSIC has been an unparalleled experience, strengthening my collaboration skills and expanding my understanding of the financial world.”
Amelia Kunamneni ’28
PSSIC stands out as a uniquely hands-on experience, offering an invaluable glimpse into finance that I feel fortunate to have.”
Hiu Kwan (Darren) Kwok ’28
When I joined PSSIC, I knew I was stepping into an experience unlike anything I’d encountered before. The committee’s student-led structure and unparalleled exposure to real capital made me think like a professional investor and made me more interested in exploring finance as a career.”
