Six local children received certificates and $50 savings account deposits Tuesday after winning a random drawing connected to an annual financial education campaign.
- The winners were recognized before the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners budget meeting July 22 as part of the Teach Children to Save campaign, which ran from April 1 through June 30.
This year’s campaign drew 102 participants under age 18 from Eglin Federal Credit Union and Renasant Bank, who collectively deposited $27,058.82 into their savings accounts after setting savings goals.
The six winners were:
- Thomas Chambliss of Crestview
- John Hague of Navarre
- Hannah Lichlyter of Shalimar
- Tayvon Reynolds of Crestview
- Michael Smith of Crestview
- Teja Zary of Mary Esther
Since the program began in 2004, 2,497 children have participated and made deposits totaling $420,668.34.
“Okaloosa Saves, Teach Children to Save is a valuable program to teach our children the importance of thoughtful financial management,” said Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon. “We appreciate the values and strategies this program has been building throughout the years and how it has provided the necessary foundation of financial stability for these children as they grow into adults.”
Eglin Federal Credit Union President and CEO Cathie Staton said the credit union has partnered with Okaloosa Saves for two decades on financial education initiatives.
- “Each year, we’re excited to bring back our youth savings program because building smart money habits early makes a lifelong difference,” Staton said. “For two decades, Eglin FCU has proudly teamed up with Okaloosa Saves to champion financial education in our community, and we’re committed to continuing this important work for many years to come.”
Sherry Harlow, who serves as treasurer on the Okaloosa Saves board, has been involved with the organization for 22 years.
“It’s been an honor to serve on Okaloosa Saves for 22 years and witness the real impact of the Teach Children to Save program,” Harlow said. “Seeing local youths save over $420,668 is a powerful reminder of how early financial education can shape brighter futures.”
The campaign encourages parents to talk about budgeting and saving money, visit local branches to open savings accounts, teach investing basics, encourage entrepreneurship and serve as financial role models.
