April was Youth Financial Literacy Month. North Dakota State University Extension in Foster and Eddy counties, local banks and credit unions partnered with schools in Carrington and New Rockford to provide a lesson to first grade students on earning, spending and saving. The goal of the program was for students to learn positive money behaviors at an early age. As part of the lesson, each student was provided with a piggy bank that was theirs to keep. They decorated the bank for a "Piggy Bank Pageant" contest.
The piggy banks were displayed at local banks and credit unions through the month of April. As part of the lesson that was presented at school, the students set a savings goal that was displayed along with the student's entry. The customers "voted" on the piggy bank they liked best by placing coins in the slot of their favorite piggy bank. All students were able keep their "votes" at the close of the contest on Friday, April 19.
Winners named
The first-place winner at each financial institution was awarded $15; the second place, $7; and the third place winner received $3.
Bank Forward winners: first place winner was Jersey Allmaras, second place winner was Hernesto Alcala and third place winner was Elijah Gonzales.
Community Credit Union winners: first place winner was Briggs Weber, second place winner was Lenox Langley and the third place winner was Lyla Swart.