LCSD Reality Fair

Eighth graders from Lauderdale County School District (LCSD) participated in a Reality Fair today where they found out what real-world expenses can cost you. Twin States News was there.

LCSD held their annual Reality Fair today at MCC Workforce Development Center. Eighth graders had the chance to learn how to budget, spend and save their money.

Northeast Middle school Laila Coleman told me what she learned today:

“It’s going to help me in the real world because I already know what I need”, said Laila. “If you go ahead and buy what you need, you can save for what you want.”

Northeast Middle School 8th grader, Laila Coleman

The organizer of the event Debbi Smith, President CEO of Meridian Federal Credit Union, says the purpose of the event is to inform students of responsibility

“What we are teaching them is one day they are going to be out on their own and they are going to have to take responsibility. Their parents will not be providing all the money for them to do the stuff they have to do in life”, stated Smith.

Tables were set up representing items that were necessities and temptations. It was the student's job to decide which was more important.

“They come to my table for health insurance”, explained Scott Gray of Insurance Solutions of Mississippi Inc. “When they get to me, I make sure they’ve been to the food table, utility table, housing, and transportation table. If they are out of money, they can’t afford insurance. I then send them to go get a second job. Then they can come back to me and get insurance.”

Northeast Middle school, Mackenzie Robison believes the exercise is going to give her a head start on her future

“Well, I think it’s going to help me because there are so many ways where people can spend money. Sometimes people don’t know how, so, I think this can help me in my future”, said Mackenzie.

All middle schools in the district were able to come out and experience the Reality Fair today.