Financial Jeopardy Awards Scholarships to Area Students

Despite the efforts of many parents to educate their children about financial responsibility, many young adults develop spending and saving habits that leave them with credit problems early in their adult lives.

According to a release, TruMark Financial helped nine area students get off on a proper financial footing when it awarded more than $9,000 in scholarships at its 4th Annual Financial Jeopardy Game on Wednesday, May 4 at The Buck Hotel, 1200 Buck Road, Feasterville.

Grand prize winner Edward Ross of Roman Catholic High School prevailed over eight other contestants to win a $5,000 scholarship. Ross will attend Temple University in the fall.

Second place winner Andrew Nguyen of Bensalem High School won a $2,000 scholarship and will attend Brandeis University; Kenny Yanni of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School won a $1,000 scholarship and will attend West Chester University.

In addition to the top three prizes, TruMark Financial awarded each of the six other contestants a $200 scholarship. These students represented the following high schools: Neshaminy, Upper Dublin, Radnor, Truman (Bristol Borough School District), The Young Women’s Leadership School at Rhodes (Philadelphia School District), and Abington.

The Financial Jeopardy Game, a spin-off of the long-running nightly quiz show that airs on 6ABC in Philadelphia, tested nine students’ knowledge in subjects relating to personal finance. The competition featured rounds of Jeopardy, Double Jeopardy, and Final Jeopardy.

“These students have demonstrated the knowledge and aptitude required to build a strong financial foundation for their future. They have taken the first steps toward becoming financially responsible young adults,” commented Richard F. Stipa, chief executive officer of TruMark Financial.

The Financial Jeopardy Game is an extension of the financial literacy programs TruMark Financial supports and promotes throughout the Philadelphia region. In an effort to minimize credit problems among young adults, TruMark Financial employees visit local high schools to promote financial literacy by conducting presentations on topics such as setting up a savings account, establishing and maintaining good credit, budgeting, and investing.

Prior to the Financial Jeopardy Game, TruMark Financial awarded a $500 grant to business education teacher Regina Cade of Truman High School. Cade plans to use the grant to purchase textbooks and resources needed for a new personal finance class slated for September.

Founded in 1939, TruMark Financial is headquartered in Trevose, and has approximately $1.3 billion in assets through its 14 branches. To learn more about TruMark Financial, visit www.trumarkonline.org or call 1-877-TRUMARK.