Oakman Middle School 8th grade students on Thursday receives a lesson in financial decision making.
The students participated in the “Bite of Reality” program, sponsored by AlaTrust.
Students used an app to budget and make financial decisions like buying or renting a house, buying a car, groceries, etc.
“This was a great opportunity. I learned how to handle my money better,” said student Sophie Davis.
Many students said it was eye-opening.
“It was very helpful with managing money in a perspective of an adult. This is a great experience,” said student Wil Uptain.
The event was fun and informative, one student said.
“Overall such a fun experience. It really taught me how to budget money more,” said student Berkley Gossett.
“Bite of Reality” has been used at the high school level, but OMS is the first group of 8th grade students to get to participate. Heather Gann of AlaTrust, Tim Hulsey from the Walker County BOE, along with many other volunteers from the Walker County area made this event possible.
“I saw a lot of students running out of money and going to the credit union for help. I think it really helped open their eyes to how expensive some things can be and made them adjust how they spend their money every month.” Said Jamie Forstman, 8th grade science teacher.
Principal Bart Lockhart said the experience will be beneficial for students throughout their lives.
“This was such an awesome opportunity for our students. Every student was fully engaged and seemed to enjoy the experience, and after talking with some, they now have a new appreciation for financial decisions,” he said. “We are thankful to AlaTrust, Heather Gann, Tim Hulsey, and all the community volunteers that made this program possible for our students. It was such a great experience we are already trying to get in on the calendar for next year.”
