Small Change, Big Impact: Kelso High School Students Bring Financial Literacy To Life (Photo) - 11/06/26

Student-Led Initiative Brings Hands-On Money Lessons to Elementary Families and Real-World Budgeting Experiences to High School Juniors

What if learning about money could be as fun as shooting hoops, shopping with play money, or running a pretend household? And what if high school students could help younger students—and their peers—build financial skills that last a lifetime?

That's exactly what's happening at Kelso High School, where DECA and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students are turning a community need into two interactive financial literacy events this November.

The initiative began with a simple question: What financial skills do Kelso families want their children to learn?

Brynn Fitzpatrick, KHS DECA Vice President and FBLA President, took the lead, developing and distributing a survey to Kelso families. The results revealed two clear priorities: parents wanted elementary students introduced to money management at an early age, and they wanted high school students better prepared to navigate the financial realities of adulthood.

Fitzpatrick got to work finding a solution. After researching financial literacy programs, she developed a plan for two events designed to make learning about money engaging, practical, and age-appropriate. With support from fellow DECA and FBLA members and community partner Fibre Federal Credit Union, her vision is becoming reality.

Big Money Lessons for Little Learners
The first event, Future of Finance: Family Financial Literacy Night, invites all K–5 students and their families to a FREE evening of hands-on financial fun on Thursday, November 12.

Twenty KHS DECA and FBLA students will lead 10 interactive activity stations where young learners can explore earning, saving, spending, budgeting, and making smart money choices.

Activities include:

• The Price Is Right...Or Is It? Guess the cost of everyday items and discover the value of a dollar.
• Shop 'Til You Learn! Practice identifying money and making change in a simulated store.
• Needs vs. Wants Basketball Challenge: Shoot hoops while learning to distinguish necessities from extras.
• Budget Boss: Take on the challenge of managing a household budget.
• Moneybunny Story Time: Follow a lovable bunny's adventures while learning about money.
• Debit or Credit? Sort financial scenarios to discover the difference.
• Fibre Federal Youth Savings Station: Explore saving for the future and pick up some fun giveaways.

Students will earn play money for completing activities, then put their newfound financial skills to work shopping at a prize store stocked with items donated by community members.

Families can also capture memories at the Future of Finance photo booth and purchase food and treats from concessions, with proceeds supporting KHS DECA and FBLA programs.

Making Cents of Money
Five days later, the financial lessons get a little more real.

Through a partnership with Fibre Federal Credit Union, KHS 11th graders will participate in Bite of Reality, a hands-on, app-based financial simulation developed by GoWest Credit Union Association.

Each student will receive a fictional adult identity complete with a career, income, and financial responsibilities. Then comes the challenge: make it through a month without breaking the budget.

Students will navigate 10 stations staffed by Fibre Federal volunteers, making decisions about housing, transportation, groceries, clothing, and other everyday expenses. Along the way, they'll discover how quickly unexpected costs can derail even the best financial plans.

Do they really need that expensive car? Can they afford their preferred apartment? What happens when an unexpected bill arrives?

With guidance from volunteers, students will adjust their spending, prioritize needs over wants, and experience the consequences of financial decisions—all without risking a single real dollar.

The goal is to help students build confidence and practical skills before they face these decisions in their own lives.

Student Leadership That Pays Dividends
For Fitzpatrick, the work doesn't stop with these two events. She has also volunteered to teach financial literacy lessons in a fourth-grade classroom at Lexington Elementary, bringing age-appropriate money lessons directly to younger students.

Her initiative reflects the larger mission of KHS DECA and FBLA, whose members select and lead community service projects each year. Students identify needs, develop plans, coordinate resources, and work together to make a meaningful difference.

In this case, they're doing more than teaching financial literacy. They're demonstrating leadership, entrepreneurship, collaboration, and community service while helping the next generation build a stronger financial foundation.

Future of Finance: Family Financial Literacy Night

• When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 5–7 p.m.
• Where: Kelso High School Commons
• Who: K–5 students and families
• Cost: FREE admission; concessions available for purchase

Bite of Reality Financial Awareness Event

• When: Tuesday, November 17 during school
• Where: Kelso High School Main Gym
• Who: Kelso High School 11th-grade students

Both events are organized by Kelso High School DECA and FBLA, with support from Fibre Federal Credit Union.

About Kelso School District

Kelso School District has a goal of 100% (bit.ly/ksd-100) of students graduating high school and having post-secondary plans for college, career, trades, or military. Our mission is to prepare every student for living, learning, and achieving success as a citizen of our changing world.