More than 200 Pilgrim students participated in the 1st Annual CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair sponsored by Wave Federal Credit Union on Thursday, January 11.

On behalf of Mayor Frank Picozz chief of staff Aaron Mackisey , presented a proclamation to Pilgrim proclaiming January 11, 2024, as Pilgrim High School Financial Literacy Day in the City of Warwick.  Also present for the first fair to be held at Pilgrim (Wave has sponsored fairs at Toll Gate High for years) were, At this event, school administrators, elected officials, community leaders and other invited guests were Lynn Dambruch, Superintendent of Schools, William McCaffrey, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Director of Secondary Education, Senator Mark McKenney, District 30, Warwick School Committee Members Shaun Galligan, Chair, Leah Hazelwood, Vice Chair and member  David Testa,

In his opening remarks, Toby Gibbons, Principal of Pilgram High School, said: “I am very pleased with the collaboration between Pilgrim High School and Wave Federal Credit Union that is helping to meet a critical need for our school, and I am impressed with our students’ interest in advancing their knowledge of banking products and services and, most importantly, their desire to develop an understanding of fiscal responsibility and good money management practices.”

In addition to Pilgrim High School’s Winter Fair, Wave Federal Credit Union also sponsored the Toll Gate High School Winter Fair, and this spring, the credit union will sponsor financial education fairs at both Pilgrim and Toll Gate High Schools. During the school year, credit union representatives present monthly presentations each semester on topics to help the students increase their understanding of the importance of managing their personal finances to be prepared for the financial challenges and lifestyle decisions they will face as adults.

The CU 4 Reality™ Financial Education Fair is the culminating event that places students through a realistic budgeting experience during which they will make a series of spending decisions like the types made by a young adult. The Fair provides the students the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned in the classroom and interact with local businesses as consumers based on their chosen career and corresponding monthly income.

At Pilgrim  students met with representatives from Wave Federal Credit Union and various businesses and industries that included Community College of Rhode Island, DeGiulio Insurance Group, LLC, Generations Financial Strategies LLC, Premier Home Realty, LLC, Stop and Shop, and others to help them gain a better appreciation of the importance of budgeting, financial planning and making wise purchasing decisions. 

In closing remarks, David Dupéré, President and CEO of Wave Federal Credit Union, said, The credit union is proud to sponsor this rewarding educational opportunity in partnership with Warwick schools.