Old Rochester Regional High School Students Participate in Third Annual Credit for Life Fair

Old Rochester Regional High School students recently participated in the third annual Credit for Life Fair. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District)

MATTAPOISETT — Old Rochester Regional High School students recently received a hands-on lesson in financial literacy at the school’s third annual Credit for Life Fair.

Juniors gathered in the auditorium on April 7 for a presentation by Cape Cod 5 on the “5 Habits of Financial Wellness” and the Financial Fit Program. Seniors attended a similar presentation before participating in the Credit for Life Fair in the cafeteria on April 10.

The annual event is organized by Assistant Principal Lauren Millette and Cape Cod 5 community bank, who donated $1,000 toward the event to be used as prizes for students.

In addition to Cape Cod 5, Credit for Life was supported by Eastern Bank, Digital Federal Credit Union, Bank of America and Northpoint Mortgage, with all businesses operating booths set up for the event.

During the fair, students chose professions and were assigned monthly take-home salaries. They then navigated online checkpoints to either accumulate savings or make hypothetical purchases using imaginary cash or credit.

The Credit for Life Fair is held in light of 2019 findings by the Barr Foundation showing that 86% of high school students say the most important skill they need after graduation is an understanding of personal finance, while only 30% believe their schools are preparing them on this topic. 

“We recognize the important roles that financial literacy and independence play in a student’s success as they transition out of high school,” said Superintendent Michael S. Nelson. “Events such as the Credit for Life Fair allow us to teach financial lessons in a fun and engaging way. I want to acknowledge Lauren Millette for her hard work and dedication in coordinating the fair, and Cape Cod 5 for their partnership. I also want to thank the other businesses who volunteered their time and helped make this event a success.”

Volunteer bank representatives operated booths that provided students with insight into topics such as charitable giving, education and training, food and nutrition, health and wellness, housing costs, furniture spending, utilities, lifestyle choices, fun activities, part-time jobs, planning for the future, transportation and more, including one table devoted to prize giveaways for the event. Students had additional opportunities to win prizes by earning a Financial Fit Certificate prior to the fair, or by meeting with a budget counselor after the event.

“For me, the Credit for Life was an incredible experience,” said senior Laila Brown. “Credit for Life influenced me and many other students how to properly manage your money in many efficient ways and made you think carefully about financial decisions. Throughout the fair, I was guided through different stages of life, where I had to budget for necessities like housing, transportation, food and unexpected expenses. It showed me how quickly money can be spent and how important it is to plan ahead and prioritize needs over wants. I also learned the basics of managing a bank account, including how to keep track of spending, not to overspend, and save responsibly. By the end of the experience, it felt good to see how my choices affected my financial situation. As a fun outcome, we were entered into a prize drawing and I was lucky enough to win a waffle maker, which made the whole experience even better!”

Prizes were chosen to support students in their post-graduation journey. A range of helpful and entertaining items were offered, including dorm or apartment furniture and appliances, luggage, pickleball sets and shower speakers.

“We are grateful to all of the volunteers who helped the fair run smoothly,” said Assistant Principal Millette. “The enthusiasm and expertise they shared with our students explained how to best approach their finances as they move into the next chapter of their lives.”

The goal was for students to learn to live within a budget, learn fiscal responsibility and plan for the future, all while having fun.

“Resources such as this fair are integral to setting our students up for success,” said Principal Michael Devoll. “The conversations that happen at the Credit for Life Fair empower our students to make informed decisions as they take control of their finances. In the three years we’ve held this event, students always leave the fair with a better understanding of fiscal responsibility.”

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The goal of the Credit for Life fair was for students to learn to live within a budget, learn fiscal responsibility and plan for the future. (Photo Courtesy Old Rochester Regional School District)