Framingham High Hosts First-Ever Reality Fair For Students

Framingham High School held its first-ever ‘Reality Fair,‘ earlier this month.

Framingham High students developed budgets and made real world financial decisions on saving, spending, and budgeting based on career choices and lifestyle decisions.

“It was an eye-opening experience,” said student Jamar Pierre-Lewis.

Joshua Jenkins said he was amazed at how much he took away from the fair.

“The Reality Fair helped me learn how to spend my money wisely,” he said.

Also known as the “Credit for Life” fair, the event offered an entertaining and effective way for students to learn about their personal finances or their perception of what they think it will be.

Students played games, made decisions on monthly expenses that ranged from home, auto, medical to other miscellaneous living items.

“I found the Reality Fair to be a worthwhile event, opening the students’ eyes to the complexities and demands of life on their own,” said Framingham High Vice Principal Jeff Convery, who oversees the junior class (2017).

Each participating student was offered career counseling from volunteers from various businesses and local companies.

The district was awarded a Financial Education Innovation Fund grant from The Commonwealth’s Division of Banks and The Massachusetts State Treasury’s Office of Economic Empowerment to hold the Reality Fair on Nov. 19.

Representatives from banks, real estate and other businesses provided professional assistance to the students.

“I loved talking with the students,“ said Laura Anctil from Needham Bank. “Events Like these are wonderful learning opportunities.”

Lexie Winter with Keller Williams Realty said “I wish I had this in high school. The students loved it.”

Even when students learned they were not living within their means and had to start over, volunteers offered support of part-time job considerations,said organizers.

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Photo courtesy of Petroni Media Company

Above was a press release submitted by the Superintendent’s office