Elizabethton City Schools have found a way to crack open the “Vault” and were recently honored for their work at the state level.

East Side Elementary was honored this week by the Tennessee Financial Literacy Commission at the State Capitol for the role they’ve taken to encourage financial literacy for students rising through the ranks by receiving the Leadership Award. Various officials were on hand for the event, including State Treasurer, David H. Lillard Jr., TNFLC Chair, Gov. Bill Haslam, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, and Speaker Beth Harwell. Other legislators and business leaders were also on site for the celebration.

Helping spearhead the effort at East Side is fifth grade teacher Christy Malone, who also serves as the vice chair for the TNFLC Board. Malone and East Side Principal Travis Hurley accepted the award on behalf of the school.

“As a math teacher, I have had the opportunity to integrate financial literacy into my lessons. Through the (TNFLC), I have been able to provide more hands-on experiences for students with regards to money and goal setting. They have improved their decision making skills, set short- and long-term goals, as well as broaden their knowledge of financial literacy,” Malone said in a statement issued to the Elizabethton Star.

During a presentation held in November, state leaders visited East Side to get a hands-on look at fifth grade students using the “Vault – Understanding Money” online program provided by EVERFI. The free program offered by the state allows students to learn more about financial literacy as they make the leap to middle school and high school. Grant funding for the program was acquired by Sen. Rusty Crowe and Rep. David Hawk. Other funding was acquired by Lillard, who worked with different corporations to obtain additional monies. One local sponsor for the program is Carter County Bank.

“Because of these programs, I see our kids understanding in fifth grade their needs versus wants and that’s been hugely beneficial. I have kids talking about college and understanding how academics and ACT scores can help them pay for that — so they’re thinking about college and technical trades as early as fifth grade,” said Hurley.

Malone also thanked the organization for providing the tool to students, along with training teachers.

“I would like to personally thank the members of the (TNFLC) for providing this training to teachers as well as the program to students at no cost. This curriculum enhances their learning and empowers them to make sound financial decisions for their future,” she said.

Schools looking to acquire the program can contact the state treasury at (615) 741-2956.