MIDDLEPORT, OH — Seniors from all three high schools in Meigs County gained valuable insight into their financial futures during the Dollars to Decisions event, held Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Blakeslee Center in Middleport.
Organized by the Meigs County Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassadors, the event combined real-world financial education with interactive activities to keep students engaged.
Student ambassadors leading the event included Murphy Dunfee (Southern High School); Ava Buckley, Natalie Goode, Blake Folmer, and Caden O’Neil (Meigs High School); and Derrick Barnes (Eastern High School).
The day kicked off with handing out goody bags and a warm welcome.
“Hello, everyone! My name is Natalie and this is Murphy. We are the Chamber of Commerce Student Ambassadors,” Goode said.
“Today is about preparing for our futures. We’re going to work hard and play hard. We have tons of games and prizes to go along with it,” added Dunfee.
The first presentation came from Michelle Bueno and Ashley Hill of Ohio Means Jobs-Meigs County. They highlighted key programs such as Comprehensive Case Management and Employment Program (CCMEP) and Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
(WIOA).
“CCMEP is for low-income young adults ages 14 to 24. There are many services we provide including training, career coaching, and supportive services. WIOA helps students and adults find employment and overcome barriers they face,” Hill explained.
The power duo emphasized essential career-readiness skills. Their discussion covered building a polished resume, crafting strong cover letters, practicing mock interviews, finding scholarship opportunities, and creating a professional email.
“Make sure your email is professional and nothing crazy,” added Bueno. “Use your name, avoid nicknames, and keep it appropriate because that’s often the first impression an employer will have of you.”
Next, Southern High alumnus David Shaver of UBS Financial Services Inc. spoke about financial literacy and investing.
“It’s important to invest to outpace inflation,” Shaver explained. “There are three main types of investments: stocks (equities), bonds (fixed income), and cash or cash equivalents. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
He also stressed the importance of starting early with retirement planning.
Josh Bodimer of Wiseman Real Estate followed with practical advice on renting and homeownership.
“If you’re renting, you need to know what you can afford and whether you’ll have a roommate,” Bodimer said. “If you do have a roommate, have a clear conversation about finances. And if you have a pet, expect a deposit—it’s important to be upfront.”
Bodimer explained that renting typically involves lease agreements, deposits, and utility costs such as electric, gas, water, and trash. In contrast, homeownership comes with full responsibility for maintenance and repairs. He encouraged students to begin saving early, recommending $5,000 to $10,000 to prepare for down payments and other upfront costs like inspections and closing fees.
Shifting to borrowing and banking, students introduced Christina Richards and Emma Litchfield from Farmers Bank.
“We’ve talked about how to spend money—now let’s talk about how to get it,” Barnes said.
The presenters discussed various banking careers and walked students through the basics of loan applications, particularly for vehicles.
“The application can feel intimidating, but there are no dumb questions—we’re here to help you fill it out,” Litchfield reassured students.
They also emphasized understanding Annual Percentage Rate (APR), choosing manageable repayment terms, and recognizing the importance of legally binding agreements.
Additionally, they shared that paying credit card bills on time is essential for building and maintaining a good credit score
Between sessions, students participated in games organized by the ambassadors, with opportunities to win prizes such as gift cards and donated items—adding a fun, interactive element to the day.
Students then had lunch and a trade show, where students connected with local businesses and organizations offering resources and opportunities for life after graduation.
The trade show included the guest speakers as well as Acoustic Ceiling and Partition, University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College, Meigs Center, Change the Game Ohio, Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, Vitruvian, Washington State College of Ohio, Buckeye Hills Career Center, Ohio University, and State Farm Insurance.
Another speaker included April Roach from Angell Accounting in Pomeroy who chatted about taxes and payroll.
“When you start a job, it’s important to give your employer the correct social security number, email and home address,” said Roach. “This is important in the payroll process. If you move, you have to update your information.”
Roach also explained that when you get your paycheck, money will be taken out including Ohio state tax, social security and federal taxes.
She also gave students a chance to look at some tax forms everyone has to fill out like the W-4.
Meigs County Executive Director Susan White shared that the students have put in a lot of work to plan the event to better prepare their peers for the future.
“They’ve created an opportunity for real-world learning that students will carry with them long after today,” White said. “We’re incredibly proud of the work these students have done.”
Southern High School Principal Daniel Otto praised the event for its impact on students.
“This is exactly the kind of real-world experience our students need,” said Otto. “They’re learning skills that go beyond the classroom—how to manage money, make informed decisions, and plan for their future. That’s invaluable.”
We would like to thank all of the sponsors including Southern High School Principal Otto, Mark Porter, Project RISE, Robin Fowler with State Farm Insurance, Farmers Bank, Ohio Means Jobs-Meigs County and Mona French.
