We're excited to share the outcomes of our participation in the Lights, Camera, Save! video contest, a nationwide initiative by the American Bankers Association. This competition aligns with our commitment to fostering financial literacy among youth, challenging teens aged 13-18 to showcase their creativity and financial savvy through short videos on smart money management. The contest not only encourages artistic expression but also promotes critical thinking about essential financial concepts. It provides a platform for young minds to explore and share ideas on budgeting, saving, and investing – vital skills for navigating today's complex financial landscape.
Our Community Relations Specialist, Alyssa Shapiro, spearheaded ARB's involvement in this program. The response from our Santa Barbara and Central Coast community was nothing short of inspiring, with 22 impressive entries showcasing the talent and financial awareness of our local youth. These submissions not only showcased creativity but also highlighted the depth of understanding our young community members have about financial responsibility.
Selecting a winner from such a strong pool of entries was no easy task. We assembled a panel of judges from within American Riviera Bank, who ensured that entries were evaluated from multiple perspectives, considering factors such as creativity, clarity of message, and viewing experience.
The judging process itself was a rewarding experience for our team, providing insights into how the younger generation perceives financial management and highlighting areas where we, as a community bank, can further support financial education initiatives.
Among the remarkable submissions, two entries stood out for their exceptional creativity and clear communication of financial concepts. Although we saw many worthy entries, we could only choose two for our local contest.
Ursula Solodkin's 'Click with Care' focused on the critical issue of safeguarding personal information online. Her video not only demonstrated a keen understanding of digital security but also presented the information in an engaging and accessible manner. As our local ARB contest winner, Ursula was presented with a check for $300.
We're proud to announce that Ursula's 'Click with Care' was selected as a national finalist in the Lights, Camera, Save! Contest. The national competition featured an Instagram vote from January 16-18, 2025, with Ursula's video showcased on Day 3, Thursday, January 18.
Micah Barnhart's 'Save Today, Party Tomorrow' took a lighthearted approach to the serious topic of saving. By highlighting the drawbacks of impulse purchases, Micah effectively communicated a key principle of financial responsibility: distinguishing between wants and needs. As our runner-up, Micah received $150 from ARB.
While the Lights, Camera, Save! contest was a highlight, it's just one part of American Riviera Bank's commitment to financial literacy. Throughout the year, we offer various programs to empower individuals of all ages with sound financial management skills, including:
Initiatives like Lights, Camera, Save! do more than educate – they inspire. By engaging teens in money management conversations, we're helping to create a financially literate generation. The success of the contest reinforces our belief in engaging young people in financial education. We invite community members – parents, educators, and individuals – to join us in this mission. At American Riviera Bank, we're committed to nurturing the financial health of Santa Barbara and the Central Coast.
As we celebrate this year's contest success, we look forward to continuing our work in financial education, fostering a more financially empowered and prosperous community for all.
