Approximately 150 Niceville High School students participated Wednesday in the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation’s 4th Annual Reality Check, a one-day financial literacy simulation designed to teach real-world money management skills.
- During the hands-on event, students were assigned careers, salaries and family scenarios, then visited interactive stations representing housing, utilities, insurance, communications and other categories. Participants made virtual payments, built budgets and worked through financial decisions meant to reflect the responsibilities of adulthood.
The event was funded by Origin Bank and supported by community partners and volunteers.
“Experiences like Reality Check are invaluable in helping our students understand the real-world responsibilities that come with adulthood,” Superintendent Marcus Chambers said. “We are grateful to our community partners for investing in our students and helping prepare them for future success.”
Students from Crestview, Choctawhatchee, Laurel Hill and Fort Walton Beach high schools have also participated in Reality Check in previous years, extending the program’s reach across the district.
Community partners and contributors included the Okaloosa Public Schools Foundation, Okaloosa County School District, Doolittle Institute, Modern Technology Solutions Inc., Okaloosa County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Origin Bank, Eglin Federal Credit Union, United Fidelity, CareerSource Okaloosa Walton, the Okaloosa County Tax Collector’s Office, 7th Brew’s Niceville location, members of the U.S. Air Force at Hurlburt Field and U.S. Army recruiters.
- Additional contributors included Mike McMain, Alyson Lofe’, Susie Branson, Linda Sumblin, Shawn Grigsby, Albert Sousa of Mortgage Apex, Josh Legare of EXP and Tevan Millette of 1st Class Real Estate.
The Okaloosa County School District also recognized Adam Howell and Paul Allen Palmer of Niceville’s Maintenance Department; Amy Pearson, Craig Miller and Chris Peterson of Niceville High School; and Sara Mathis, Quanz Peters, Christa Shea, Diane Fraser, Michele Burns, Mary Travis, Kim Cox, Robin Donlon, Pam Thomas, Johnny Edwards and Debbie Tate for their support of the event.
