State Champs to Compete in National LifeSmarts Championship
Wichita, KS — Junction City High School beat out 5 teams and captured the State Varsity LifeSmarts Championship by successfully fielding questions about real-life marketplace issues at Wichita State University’s Marcus Welcome Center on February 11, 2026. The Blue Jays will go on to represent Kansas at the 2026 National LifeSmarts Championship will be held in Orlando, FL, April 15– 18, 2026.
LifeSmarts, a consumer education competition that challenges teens in grades 6-8 (Junior Varsity) and 9-12 (Varsity) about personal finance, health & safety, the environment, technology & workforce development, and consumer rights & responsibilities, is a program of the National Consumers League. In Kansas, the Kansas Council for Economic Education (KCEE) runs the program.
Teens from across the state first competed online for a chance to advance to the in-person state finals held February 11, 2026 at Wichita State University’s Marcus Welcome Center.
“LifeSmarts participants in Kansas develop practical, real-world skills they will use for a lifetime,” said Charlene Nichols, Executive Director of the Kansas Council on Economic Education. “Through LifeSmarts, students strengthen their understanding of consumer rights and responsibilities, personal finance, health and safety, environmental issues, and technology and workforce preparation—preparing them to be informed consumers, responsible citizens, and future employees. We are proud to have Junction City High School represent Kansas at the National LifeSmarts Championship, and we are deeply grateful to the Office of the State Bank Commissioner and our many generous donors whose support makes this unique opportunity possible for Kansas students.”
The event, held at Wichita State University, saw multiple rounds of competition between state qualifying teams from Cheney, Gardner-Edgerton, Hoisington, Junction City, Sunrise Christian, and West Elk. Junction City held a narrow lead over Sunrise Christian in the championship round to secure their spot in the National LifeSmarts Championship.
“LifeSmarts empowers students to think critically, avoid scams, make informed financial decisions, and confidently navigate the world around them,” said Cheryl Varnadoe, Program Director of the National LifeSmarts Program. “On behalf of the entire LifeSmarts team, thank you for being a part of our program and congratulations on your victory. We cannot wait to see your team shine in Orlando.”
LifeSmarts: Learn it. Live it.
LifeSmarts is a program of the National Consumers League. For more information, visit https://LifeSmarts.org or email lifesmarts@nclnet.org.
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
Since 1959, the Kansas Council for Economic Education has provided Kansas K–12 educators and students with impactful programs, training, and classroom resources that build economic and financial literacy. Through hands-on learning and teacher support, KCEE prepares students to succeed as informed consumers, participants in the workforce, and citizens.