The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Front row, left to right: Hallie Johnson, Max McConnell, Russel Beckley, Jetta Hintz, Ryan Hoff, Ande Gussiaas, and Melody Gussiaas. Middle row: Rhett Beach, Zephyr Brewer, Louis Wede, Rogan VanRay, Kennedy Weisz, Emmie Lura, Charlotte Wong and Jameson Topp. Back row: Donna Anderson, Foster County Extension Agent; Braxton Hewitt representing AgCounty Farm Credit Service; Kaylee Schlafman, representing Bremer Bank; Tiffany Paulson, representing Bank Forward; Stephanie Wangen, representing Carrington Community Credit Union and Desiree Wede, representing Gate City.
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, 2024.
Winners Named
The first-place winner at each financial institution was awarded $15, the second place winner received $7 and the third place winner was given $3.
• Bremer Bank winners: first place went to Max McConnell, second place went to Melody Gussiaas and third place to Emmie Lura.
• Bank Forward winners: first place went to Russel Beckley, second place went to Rhett Beach and third place to Ande Gussiaas.
• Community Credit Union winners: first place went to Hallie Johnson, second place went to Ryan Hoff and third place to Jetta Hintz.
• Gate City winners: first place went to Charlotte Wong, second place went to Jameson Topp and third place to Zephyr Brewer.
• AgCountry Farm Credit Services: first place went to Lois Wede, second place went to Rogan VanRay and third place to Kennedy Weisz.
