Piggy Bank Pageants teach about saving

How do plastic bottles, bits of string, paint and ribbon help Tennessee kids learn about money? These are all materials hundreds of kids across Tennessee use annually to craft handmade piggy banks to enter in UT Extension’s annual Piggy Bank Pageants. The contests, which begin locally, culminate in an online statewide people’s choice vote in April each year. Last year’s contest attracted more than 2,700 handmade banks statewide and 200,000 online votes.
Along with encouraging kids to enter hand crafted piggy banks in local competition, UT Extension agents deliver lessons about the importance of making savings a habit.
“We just can’t underestimate the importance of teaching young people the necessity of saving money,” says Dr. Dena Wise, Professor and Consumer Economics Specialist with UT Extension and coordinator of the statewide contest. “Young people who make saving a regular habit early in their lives have a real head start on achieving financial security as an adult.”
In Hardeman County, 40 young people entered local Piggy Bank Pageants. Entries were judged in March. County winners were Abby Lyles, fourth grade, Hornsby; Alexx Sterling, fifth grade, Toone; Ann Marie Burnette, sixth grade, Middleton.Winners in these age categories will represent the county in the online state contest. Voting began Monday, April 20, and will continue through Sunday, April 26. The public can vote once daily for a favorite Piggy Bank in each age category at https://tiny.utk.edu/voteforthepig.
For more information, contact Gary Rodgers, 731-658-2421.