The Kentucky Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy recognized the 2021 Financial Literacy Teacher and Student of the Year at the first annual awards dinner held on July 22 at the Galt House in Louisville.

Alex R. Claycomb of Ramsey Middle School (Jefferson County) was named the 2021 Financial Literacy Teacher of the Year. The award, sponsored by Class Act Federal Credit Union, honors a K-12 teacher who demonstrates an exceptional commitment to teaching financial literacy topics and motivating students to learn about personal finance. The award includes $300 for classroom materials and a full scholarship to the Jump$tart National Educator Conference in November.

“It is teachers like Alex that are making a difference in the classroom every day to help bring children out of poverty with an understanding of financial literacy,” said Tom Anonson, executive vice president of Class Act.

Gracyn Cook of Grayson County High School was named the 2021 Financial Literacy Student of the Year. The new award honors a graduating senior who demonstrates an exceptional understanding of financial literacy and motivating others to learn about personal finance. The award includes a one-time $500 cash award, sponsored by the University of Louisville’s Department of Educational Leadership, Evaluation and Organizational Development (LEAD).

“A shared goal of our department with Jump$tart is the enhancement of personal finance understanding among students in our Commonwealth,” said Jodi Adams, LEAD Career and Technical Education director at UofL. “Gracie embodies that intent through her willingness to educate her peers.”

The Kentucky Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the national coalition based in Washington, D.C. The Kentucky chapter’s goals include raising awareness of the importance of financial literacy, enhancing Kentucky educators’ professional development on financial literacy issues, and coordinating and promoting communication and cooperation among coalition members.