Junior Auxiliary of Columbus 2024 | Page 63

JA PROJECT
Reality Fair committee members gather for a photo prior to presenting at McKellar Technology Center at Columbus High .
BankFirst employees and members of the Reality Fair Committee pose for a picture as they get ready to present a dose of “ reality ” to students at Heritage Academy .

Reality Fair sheds light on academic excellence and making wise choices for your future

Reality Fair offers a
the banking station , where
hands-on opportunity for
students are encouraged to
students to better understand
focus on the future by mak-
the importance of
ing wise choices today . “ It
making wise financial choices
was eye-opening to see how
. In the summer of 2023 ,
much stuff costs month-
the project was updated to
ly . I already try to save my
reflect a more current cost of
money , but this shows me
living , with all new content
that I ’ ll always have to pay
and materials . The most
attention to what I spend
exciting change was partnering
monthly !” - Student , McKel-
with BankFirst Financial
lar Technology Center .
Services , who graciously volunteered
The true “ reality ” of this
to serve as “ actual ”
project , which highlights
bankers at each banking
the importance of making
station .
wise financial decisions , is
In a mock reality setup
the connection the students
, students are “ paid ” a
make between their high
monthly salary , after taxes .
school performance and
They are provided a checkbook
their future career earnings
style ledger to record
potential . This year , Junior
and balance their monthly
Auxiliary of Columbus and
expenses and are given the opportunity to experience lifestyle choices that adults
BankFirst Financial Services have presented the project to over 600 students at West
Students circulate through five booths to choose what realities their mock monthly incomes can afford .
face on a daily basis .
Lowndes , Caledonia , New
Students circulate
Hope , Heritage Academy ,
through five booths staffed
and McKellar Technology
by members of Junior
Center , located at Columbus
Auxiliary of Columbus that
High School .
include Housing , Groceries ,
Transportation , Technology
Right : Anna Hudson and
, and Clothing / Hygiene
Maggie McIntyre get ready
Accessories . Each booth
to guide high school students
gives package choices that range from basic needs to more luxurious options .
Simulating real life , students take a spin on the “ Wheel of Chance ’’ where they may land on a surprise windfall
in budgeting for technology . Far Right :
Members of the Reality Fair
Committee welcome students at West Lowndes High
School to a fun morning of
or a dreaded unexpected
simulating through different
expense . The last stop is
realities .
Report to the Community 2024
Junior Auxiliary of Columbus , Mississippi , Inc .
61