| The National Financial Literacy Challenge Scholarship Awards, which are sponsored by Charles Schwab Foundation, were celebrated June 17 at a special banquet dinner and ceremony at the Mayflower Hotel. The attending winners, who have come from all over the country, spent the day visiting a number of sites in the nations capital, including the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the U.S. Capitol. They were also be recognized by the Presidents Advisory Council on Financial Literacy at the Department of the U.S. Treasury.
In addition to the all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the winners and two guests each, winners will receive a $2,500 scholarship for use at the college or university of their choice. An additional $1,000 contribution in each of the winners names will be made to the high schools or programs that provided their personal finance education.1
These winning students and the teachers who enrolled their classes for the Challenge are an inspiration for all of us, and especially for their peers, their schools and other educators and parents across the country, said Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, president of Charles Schwab Foundation. Financial literacy is the foundation for lifelong financial well-being, and these kids have truly shown they are well along that path.
It is our hope that these awards will encourage other teachers across the country to bring the lessons of personal finance into their classrooms, said Dan Iannicola, Jr., Treasurys deputy assistant secretary for financial education and the executive director of the Presidents Advisory Council. Financial education for todays youth is critical, as they truly have the ability to make lasting change in Americas spending, borrowing, saving and investing habits, he added.
There are ten regional winners and the teachers who enrolled them for the Challenge. Ohio JumpStart CONGRATULATES JUSTIN- who was one of the ten national winners.
Justin Fager
Wauseon, OH
Junior, Wauseon High School
Justin Fager learned about personal finance from his father, who passed away earlier this year after a five-year battle with cancer. Justin, 17, learned the importance of the sound financial plan developed by his parents that would assure the familys financial security after his father passed away. His personal finance teacher, Brad Meyers, suggested to Justin that he take the National Financial Literacy Challenge.
Justin is described by friends and family as compassionate, responsible, mature, hard- working and considerate. One of Justins proudest moments was rising through the ranks of FFA (formerly called the Future Farmers of America) to become Wauseon chapter president last April. Justin is passionate about farming and the agricultural industry and has received many awards in that area. He is also involved in his church group, LifeTeen; the American Cancer organization Relay for Life; the 4-H Club; and is a member of the National Honor Society.
Justin enjoys NASCAR (#48, Jimmie Johnson, is his favorite), working outside in his shop and the film National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
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