How did the 10th Annual FinFit Fair at Hopedale Junior-Senior High School prepare students for financial independence?

By Jonathan Araujo, Leah Hodgdon, Patrick Madden
On December 13, 2024, Hopedale Junior-Senior High School hosted its 10th Annual FinFit Fair, a pivotal event aimed at enhancing juniors’ and seniors’ financial literacy knowledge.
The FinFit Fair, organized this year by Jonathan Araujo, Leah Hodgdon, and Patrick Madden, is a financial literacy education event that seeks to improve Hopedale’s students’ financial literacy knowledge. The fair is a simulation of students’ financial realities at age 25, featuring a variety of different booths where students are able to allot their “salary”: housing, transportation, free time, etc.
The fair featured separate simulation sessions for juniors and seniors. Between these, a keynote speaker session was held, featuring notable figures such as Deputy Director of the Economic Empowerment Office from the Massachusetts Treasury, Samantha Perry, State Representative Brian Murray, Massachusetts Senator Ryan Fattman, and Hopedale Public Schools Superintendent Karen Crebase. Their insights provided valuable perspectives on personal financial management and the importance of fiscal responsibility.
The event was meticulously organized by Hopedale DECA members Jonathan Araujo, Leah Hodgdon, and Patrick Madden, whose dedication ensured a comprehensive and engaging experience for all participants and over 30 professional volunteers. The team has prepared a written report of the fair and delivered a presentation of its planning and execution at DECA’s District 9 Conference on January 9th, placing first in their category. They plan to compete at the statewide level in late February, hoping to advance to the international competition in Orlando, Florida.
The FinFit Fair has a rich history of promoting financial education among high school students, with previous events receiving extensive positive feedback for their interactive and practical approach. The 10th annual fair continued this tradition, offering a valuable simulation and keynote speaker session designed to engage students and enhance their understanding of personal finance.
For more information about the FinFit Fair and other Hopedale DECA initiatives, interested parties can contact Mrs. Oliveri at [email protected].