Old Rochester Regional High School students get a ‘cents’ of financial literacy

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 gathered for a presentation about financial wellness before participating in the fair in the school’s cafeteria on Friday, April 10.

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

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.

Volunteer bank representatives operated booths 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.

Prizes were chosen to support students in their post-graduation journey, including dorm or apartment furniture and appliances, luggage, pickleball sets and shower speakers.

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