Learning about money added up to a memorable evening at Kelso High School on November 12, when 51 elementary students and their families attended Future of Finance: Family Financial Literacy Night.
The student-led event brought money lessons to life through hands-on activities designed to help young learners explore earning, saving, spending, budgeting, and making smart financial choices. From distinguishing needs from wants to practicing purchases with play money, the evening gave families opportunities to learn together.
Behind it all was a student leader who listened to her community and took action.
Brynn Fitzpatrick, KHS DECA Vice President and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) President, spearheaded the event’s planning and organization. She began by surveying Kelso families about the financial skills they wanted their children to learn. Their responses pointed to two priorities: introducing money management early and helping high school students prepare for the financial responsibilities of adulthood.
With support from fellow students, school staff, and Fibre Federal Credit Union, Fitzpatrick turned that feedback into an engaging evening for elementary families.
A team of 34 volunteers—including DECA and FBLA members, Yearbook students, KHS staff, and Fibre Federal representatives—helped make the event possible by leading booths, taking photos, and managing concessions.
“We received wonderful feedback from students and families and look forward to hosting the event again next year under the leadership of Brynn Fitzpatrick,” said Megan Thomas, KHS CTE teacher and FBLA and DECA advisor. “Her hard work helped create an engaging learning experience for the families who attended.”
Next Up: A Bite of Financial Reality
The learning continues November 17, when KHS juniors will participate in the Bite of Reality Financial Fitness Fair hosted by Fibre Federal Credit Union.
The hands-on simulation gives students a fictional adult identity, income, and financial responsibilities, then challenges them to manage a monthly budget. Decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, and other expenses help students explore the tradeoffs of everyday financial choices before facing them with real dollars.
Throughout the week of November 16, Fitzpatrick will also promote financial literacy through Financial Fitness Trivia and lunchtime activities open to all KHS students.
Together, these experiences show what can happen when students identify a need and lead a response: younger learners build foundational skills, high school students prepare for life beyond graduation, and families gain new ways to talk about money.
That’s an investment with lasting value.