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Clinton Savings Bank 11 As the school year progresses, so too does knowledge as students explore subjects including bank products like certif- icates of deposit and money markets as well as consumer and mortgage loans and the importance of credit. In February, the Tahanto students work on a Game of Life project and undertake a Food Shopping Challenge. e fun continues the next month with March Madness with a cash drawer race and bingo. Looking to the future, students focus on career exercises like writing a resume and cover letter and participating in mock job interviews, all designed to prepare them for the "real world." Cameron noted that over the last few years, eight students from the program have gone on to become full-time employees with Clinton Savings Bank aer graduation. "at's a great example of how education and workforce development can work together," he said. Student Elizabeth S. believes the financial literacy class has helped her in different ways—supplying her with information that will aid her navigation of college loans and bank accounts to earn money in the future. "It has also been an incredibly helpful experience when it comes to learning about customer service and was extremely fun," she said. Her classmate Dominik B. called banking "a joy… It really has shown me the financial side of the world and how to live smart, while enjoying things I want to do with the finances I have." And student Gavin C. had this to say about the program: "Banking has been nothing short of pure joy. We joined with our minds as empty accounts and throughout the year, we filled them with something greater than money--experience." In addition to Tahanto, other Banzai schools are Clinton Middle School; West Boylston Middle High School; Oak Middle School; and Nashoba Regional High School. "Financial literacy is vital to our students' success, and the Bank has been an extraordinary partner in supporting that mission," said Stavros Andreopoulos, applied arts and technology depart- ment head and business teacher at Nashoba Regional High School. Nashoba's DECA co-advisor as well, Andreopoulos said Clinton Savings Bank's financial support and active involvement with DECA has enabled the program to grow from 16 students in 2010 to more than 280 students this year. "By sponsoring programs, judging competitions and provid- ing mentorship, the Bank has helped students gain real-world business and financial experience through the Nashoba Reality Fair, the Banzai online platform and scholarships for graduating seniors," Andreopoulos said. "We are deeply grateful for their dedication to helping our stu- dents develop the skills and confidence to thrive in the future." For Clinton Savings Bank, financial education is much more than a nice community gesture. It's a strategic investment in long-term stability, trust and growth. rough its workshops, school programs and online tools, Clinton Savings Bank positions itself as a trusted advisor, help- ing to close equity gaps in access to financial knowledge and building the next generation of its customers. "By investing in both nonprofit partnerships and financial ed- ucation, the Bank is helping strengthen the long-term financial well-being of the communities we serve," said Dean. n Savings Jar Journey: A beginner's guide to financial literacy It's never too early to learn about money and sensible spending and saving. Keeping that in mind, in 2024, Clinton Savings Bank introduced an addition to its robust financial literacy efforts with its Savings Jar Journey program. CSB staff members first brought the initiative to 40 campers in Clinton Parks and Recreation. Geared towards children ages five through 16, the Savings Jar Journey is a series of interactive games that include a coin toss game where younger kids learn the meaning of coins, their worth and counting skills. Older children, ages 11 through 16, participate in a life simulator game during which they use play money to experience real- life spending and savings habits. These new games open the conversation among participants about how their choices can affect them as they get older and serve as a beginner's guide to financial literacy. Since its introduction, Clinton Savings Bank con- tinues to share Savings Jar Journey knowledge with school-age children throughout the region. Garnering information about monetary concepts like saving, investing, spending and borrowing is essential at any age and helps improve individual stability and well-being in communities. Philbin & O'Neil, LLC Attorneys at Law 43 High Street Clinton, MA 01510 (978) 365-4587 www.philbin-oneil.com William E. O'Neil, Jr., Esq. Stephen A. O'Neil, Esq. William E. O'Neil III, CPA, Esq. David A. Philbin, of Counsel Congratulations to Clinton Savings Bank on 175 years of being such an integral part of our community. We celebrate your service, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people of our region. Happy Anniversary!