Springboard Announces Winners of Annual Youth Poster Contest
May 12, 2009, 2:43 pm
Local Students Interviewed for National Radio Feature
Springboard Nonprofit Consumer Credit Management is pleased to announce the winners of its third annual "Be Money Wise" youth Financial Literacy Poster Contest. In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of teaching financial literacy at an early age, Springboard once again offered area students a chance to take part in the nationwide youth poster contest. The theme of this year's contest, "I'm going to be a millionaire because I…" was chosen to encourage students to think about how healthy spending and saving habits can help ensure a brighter financial future.
"We're very proud of all the students that participated in this year's contest," said Melinda Opperman, Springboard's Vice President of Community Outreach. "We understand that educating children at an early age about effective money management goes a long way in preventing them from making costly mistakes as adults."
The purpose of the content is to introduce young people to the concept of financial literacy, and allow them to express their understanding of it through art. This year, Springboard received more than 80 entries from Riverside County students ranging from 3rd to 12th grade. Springboard's panel of judges selected one winner from each of the three grade-specific categories. Posters were judged on expression of theme, artwork, style, content and overall creativity. The winning grade-specific entries were sent on to be judged at the national level by the National Foundation for Consumer Credit Counseling. Additionally, Springboard recognized one standout entry as its Chairman's Award Winner. Each winner was recognized at the Springboard's annual board meeting on May 1, and each winner was awarded a trophy, certificate and $100 savings bond from Springboard.
Springboard congratulates this year's contest winners:
5th-grade student Christina Parra of Patricia Beatty Elementary School, Riverside, CA:
8th –grade student Robert Edwards of Higher Opportunities Program, San Jacinto, CA:
12th –grade student Melvin Thomas of House of Praise Academy, San Jacinto, CA:
Student Ariel Rowan of Green Valley High School in Yucaipa was the recipient of this year's Chairman's Award:
Following the awards presentation, the students were interviewed by a senior reporter for Marketplace, who is producing a series of financial education reports airing on National Public Radio. The first segment, which highlighted Springboard, was broadcast Thursday, April 30. A segment featuring the youth poster contest winners is scheduled for broadcast at a later date.
Springboard looks forward every year to bringing its financial education message to local elementary, middle and high school students. Students attending schools in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are eligible to participate. The annual contest offers an excellent opportunity to work with and educate teachers, students and parents on the importance of wise money management. For students, it's an excellent opportunity to express their creativity together with their knowledge and understanding of money matters.
For more information, contact: Sheri Stuart, Senior Communications Specialist
