NEWARK - Voorhees High School in Glen Gardner, Hunterdon County, is the State Champion in the 11th Annual New Jersey Consumer Bowl, a quiz show-style competition that encourages students to become well-informed consumers.

This year, approximately 70 high schools across the state competed in the Consumer Bowl. Similar in format to the classic television game shows, "It's Academic" and "College Bowl," the New Jersey Consumer Bowl pits teams of high school students against each other, first in county competitions and then in regional events.

The three regional winners representing northern, central and southern New Jersey met today in the state final, which was held in the New Jersey State House Annex in Trenton. Southern Regional High School in Manahawkin, Ocean County, took second place and West Milford Township High School in Passaic County came in third. The county competitions began in January.

"All the students who participated in this year’s Consumer Bowl are winners," Attorney General Stuart Rabner said. "They know our consumer protection laws, they know their rights in the marketplace and they can spot a potential scam or con. They are well informed consumers thanks to their hard work in preparing for this year’s competition."

Consumer Bowl topics included banking, credit, telemarketing, home repair, identity theft and automotive issues.

"This year’s Consumer Bowl competition is over but the lessons learned will serve these students throughout their lives as they make purchasing decisions," Acting Consumer Affairs Director Stephen B. Nolan said. " I want to thank the teachers who served as team advisors as well as the students for participating in this year’s competition."

Any high school wishing to participate in the 2008 Consumer Bowl may call MaryLou Bush at the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 856-614-3120.

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