County students get “the Talk” about money

SALEM -- Students from five Columbiana County school districts attended a special presentation on financial literacy Tuesday.

Students from the Salem, Crestview, Columbiana, Lisbon, and Wellsville school districts attended a special presentation by attended a special financial literacy presentation Tuesday given by Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author of "'the Talk' (about money); A Young Adults Guide to the ONE DECISION That Changes Everything," at the Salem High School. Each student also received a copy of Alexander's book.

The presentation taught students about a wide range of financial literacy subjects including saving and giving practices, the different types of investments, the value of investing while they are still young, and a range of ways they can begin investing in their financial futures with even a small initial principle.

Alexander said that by learning about good investing and financial practices while they are still in school and are working with smaller amounts of money, that the students will have turned them into internalized habits when they begin managing their own income and expenses as young adults.

"The rules we're talking about this morning are the things that the wealthy know and we're never taught," he said.

The cost of the presentation and books were paid for by the Salem Community Foundation's Howard E. and Eleanor A. Jesko Memorial Fund, which was established in 1983 after Howard's passing. Prior to Eleanor's passing in 2017, she and her family designated money from the fund to support the costs of motivational speakers for high school students.

High School Principal Todd McLaughlin said that Howard and Eleanor, who were veterans of the U.S. Army and Navy, respectively, "came from humble beginnings and firmly believed that people could reach their full potential regardless of their circumstances."

"The family recognized that the right speaker, at the right time, can make a lasting difference in a young person's life. Speakers can provide wisdom, guidance, inspiration, and hope, particularly as students navigate important transitions and face difficult decisions. The goal is to help young people understand that hard work, focus, and determination can open doors and help them achieve their goals," McLaughlin said.

Among the attendees Tuesday were Howard and Eleanor's daughter Jane Jesko Heaven, son Tom, and his wife Berni, who taught at the Salem City School District for 28 years. Tom said he thought the presentation "was outstanding" and Jane said she appreciated its accessibility and universal nature.

"It shows kids that they're capable of making investments and being successful regardless of their background," Jane said.

Jane also said that when the proposal for the presentation was brought to them, that she, Tom and Berni all thought it would be "a great choice" for the students. She also said that the idea of having Alexander present had initially been proposed by a student.

"It was actually a senior at the high school who brought it up to his principal, and I think that's incredible," Jane said.

McLaughlin said he was grateful to the Jesko family for their support, and that the presentation was very beneficial for the students that attended.

"I'd like to thank the Jesko family for their generosity. It means a lot for our kids and community to hear things like this," McLaughlin siad.