Cherry Creek Schools hosts first district-wide Financial Literacy Night
More than 100 parents, family members, students, staff, and community members came together on April 3 for the Cherry Creek Schools’ first district-wide Financial Literacy Night, sponsored by the Cherry Creek Schools Foundation.
The event began with a keynote welcome from Christina Martinez, Investment Advisor Representative for Transamerica Financial Advisors, and former math teacher. Martinez shared her own story of feeling unprepared for saving, budgeting, and other financial skills and her journey to become financially literate.
“The most powerful word I learned was 'no,’” said Martinez. “I had to tell myself ‘no’ to things I didn't need. If we don't pay ourselves first, no one else will. Financial literacy isn’t just about investing. It starts the second your money gets into your bank account.”
Business leaders from KeyBank, The District Credit Union, Innovest, Global Children's Financial Literacy Foundation, Distinct Document Preparation & Consulting, the United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado and Economic Literacy Colorado shared presentations on investments, budgeting, entrepreneurship, and more.
The event also recognized the winner of the Stock Market Scholarship essay contest for CCSD students. Last year, the contest had 4 entries; this year, there were almost 40.
“We believe every kid should have an investment account when they start kindergarten,” said Prince Dykes, President of Global Children Financial Literacy Foundation and author of several children’s books on financial literacy. “I want people to walk away from this event with something tangible.”
The finalists were Kezia Rooban (Laredo Middle School, 7th grade), Sydney Miller (Fox Ridge Middle School, 6th grade), Hudson Lover (Belleview Elementary, 5th grade), Avery Tucker (Falcon Creek Middle School, 6th grade), and Carter Topkis (Trails West Elementary, 4th grade). The winner was Hudson Lover, who was excited to win, and shared some words of advice thanking his parents for teaching him about managing money as well as how he came to see finances differently.
“Try and study as much as you can,” said the fifth-grade student. “You don't have to invest a lot at first, but it will grow over time. It's like saving up your game lives. If you waste it on unnecessary levels, then you won't have enough game lives for the important parts, like college or saving for a car.”
