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	The Manchester Enterprise A Heritage Newspaper Weekly Publication

High school students head to national event

Consumer education goal of the LifeSmart program

By Edward Freundl, Heritage Newspapers

PUBLISHED: March 15, 2007

Photo by Edward Freundl The Manchester High School LifeSmarts team — seniors Emily Bolan (left), Alex Fairbanks, Adam Wheeler and Ali Engle, and coach Donna Clark — won the state competition in February for the fifth time in six years, and will go on in April to compete against students from across the nation in Orlando, Fla. LifeSmarts is an educational program that develops consumer and marketplace skills. Team captain Alex Brannock is not pictured. Purchase a copy of this photo

For the fifth time in six years, Manchester High School has claimed the title of LifeSmarts champions in the state of Michigan.

The next step is the national competition taking place in April in Orlando, Fla.

Last year, the Manchester High School LifeSmarts Team finished in fifth place nationally against 34 teams from other states.

This year's team consists of captain Alex Brannock, Emily Bolan, Ali Engle, Alex Fairbanks and Adam Wheeler.

Coaches are Donna Clark and Susan Davis.

LifeSmarts is an educational program that develops teenagers' consumer and marketplace skills in an entertaining way and rewards them for the knowledge.

The content focuses on five key areas of consumer knowledge: personal finance, health and safety, the environment, technology and consumer rights and responsibilities.

Team members also develop skills in teamwork, self-esteem, verbal communication and leadership.

"LifeSmarts helps teens become better decision-makers and smarter consumers," Clark said. "It makes them aware of their rights and responsibilities as consumers, teaches them how to spot and avoid scams, and helps them understand nutritional and other health information."

Team member Emily Bolan is new to the competition, and said she has learned some valuable information.

"This is my first time going, so I'm not sure what to expect," the senior said. "You do study a lot for it, but it's all information you can use anytime in your life."

The team practices three times a week to prepare for the national competition, and members are planning several events to raise money for the trip to Orlando.

"Winning at the state level is just the beginning of even more dedicated, hard work through March and April," Clark said.

"We are planning a possible Friday Fun Night, an activity night for Klager Elementary School students which will give parents the opportunity to go out for the evening, a Nerf dodgeball tournament at the high school, a pretzel sale and possibly a bake sale."

Those interested in helping sponsor the team can call the high school at 428-7333.

Edward Freundl is a reporter for Heritage Newspapers. He can be reached at 428-8173 or efreundl@heritage.com.