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HERMON, Maine — School looked a little different in Hermon on Wednesday as personal finance students from Hermon High School stepped into Patricia A. Duran Elementary School to lead lessons in money management in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month.
The initiative placed high school students in the role of educators, guiding fourth graders through foundational concepts such as saving, spending and budgeting. Teachers said the goal is to introduce financial literacy early and help students build practical life skills.
“It’s rewarding, kind of like a parent watching their kid take off; they’ve been practicing this,” said Margie Deabay, personal finance teacher at Hermon High School. “We have so much credit card debt and people living paycheck to paycheck, and I just hope that we can start to build that, so it doesn’t become that snowball effect for little kids.”
For many Hermon High students, the experience was a chance to pay it forward.
“When I was in fourth grade, we had the same thing where the big kids came down to us and I honestly never imagined being the big kid,” said Rebecca Balmas, a junior.
The program is part of the Jumpstart Teen Teach-In, a nationwide initiative encouraging high school students to bring financial literacy education into elementary classrooms.
“Not all kids are able to learn about money at home,” said Laura Levine, president and CEO of the Jumpstart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy. “School-based programs and financial education help make sure that all students are introduced to many topics regardless of personal background.”
Fourth graders took part in interactive lessons focused on the basics of financial decision-making, from saving money to setting goals.
“I like saving because I like counting it up and thinking of stuff I can buy and stuff I’m going to have to save for,” said Jack Huggins, a fourth grader at Patricia A. Duran Elementary School.
Students also shared what they hope to spend their savings on.
“A vacation to Florida again,” said Barrett Deabay.
“Probably an NBA game. I love basketball,” Huggins added.
While fourth graders gained early exposure to financial concepts, high school students said they also benefited from stepping into teaching roles.
“It’s just good to see all the liveliness in kids. It’s just good to have the big kids give back to the littles,” said Balmas.
Levine added that the Teen Teach-In initiative includes another nationwide session scheduled for October.
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