WISCASSET — The Jeannette G. Morin Chapter of Credit Unions presented Wiscasset High School’s first-ever “Financial Fitness — A Money Management Experience” event at the school earlier this month.

More than 90 juniors and seniors attended the event, according to a news release.

The day, which can be compared to an interactive “game of life,” builds awareness for youth education and for credit unions’ dedication to financial literacy in their communities.

The Financial Fitness program is a half-day event during which students check in and receive a scenario packet of their life at age 22, which includes their occupations, income and credit history. From there, students map out their financial future, from financing their housing to purchasing food and clothing.

Jennifer Andersen, of Five County CU and president of the Jeannette G. Morin Chapter, said, “With these students having heard a lot said on the troubled economy in the last few years, this event actually gives them the opportunity to better prepare themselves by truly understanding the importance of being financially fit.”

Jon Paradise, governmental and public affairs manager for the Maine Credit Union League, which helps to coordinate the event, added, “These students are preparing to enter the real world, be it through applying to college or joining the work force. In order to be successful, it is necessary to have strong understanding of money and how to spend and save. The interactive nature of this event gives them a hands-on way to gain these important skills.”

Representatives from Atlantic Regional FCU, Five County CU, Lisbon Community FCU, Midcoast FCU, and the Maine Credit Union League helped to organize the event.

¦ REPRESENTATIVES from Atlantic Regional FCU, Five County CU, Lisbon Community FCU, Midcoast FCU, and the Maine Credit Union League helped to organize the event.