Piggy Bank Pageant Teaches Kids the Importance of Saving

Tennessee State Bank is partnering with the King Family Public Library, and UT Extension to sponsor the 2015 Piggy Bank Pageant, a unique handmade “Piggy Bank” contest to teach kids about saving money.

How do you teach financial responsibility with empty plastic bottles, paint and feathers? These are just a few of the materials that students across Sevier County may be using to save money during the month of March if they are preparing an entry for the annual Piggy Bank Pageant!

This Tennessee Saves Piggy Bank Pageant is an opportunity for young people to see the value of saving money, even if it is just dropped coins in a homemade bank!!

Dr. Wise, financial specialist with UT Extension, says that starting a savings habit early is one of the most important financial tasks that we can teach our kids. “A young person who understands the importance of beginning to save money and limit debt early in life definitely has a boost toward financial security throughout life.”

The Piggy Bank Pageant is a state competition for creatively designed piggy banks by young people of various age categories. Such banks are made, entered and judged on the county level. Pictures of the county winning entries are sent to the State competition. During an allotted week, people from all across the state vote online for their favorite designed bank in each age category. From the votes’ total, a State Grand Prize Winner in the Piggy Bank Pageant is announced in each age category.

Youth can bring their hand made banks to the King family Public Library by March 30, 2015. The age categories are K- 1st grade; 2nd – 3rd grade; 4th grade; 5th grade; 6th – 8th grade and 9th – 12th grade. Each bank must be done by the child, be able to transport and must have a place for putting money in and out of bank. Each bank can be anything, not just a “piggy,” but must not be larger than 12 in by 12 in. Banks will be judged the week of March 30. A winner from each category will receive a $25 check from Tennessee State Bank, plus an opportunity to be included in the State Contest. Each participant will also be given a “goody bag” and certificate.

Any child in Sevier County within the age category guidelines, may participate in this event. However, the completed banks must be at the King Family Public Library by March 30, 2015 for the Judging.

“It’s always totally amazing to see how youngsters keep coming up with unique entries year after year,” says Dr. Dena Wise, who coordinates the statewide effort. “Even after several years of these contests and thousands of entries, we still look forward to seeing what students come up with every year.”

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Mallory Walker (Pre-K – 1st grade)

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Condry Rippy (2nd – 3rd grade)

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Rose Baker (4th grade)

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Gavin King (5th grade)

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Gabby King (6th – 8th grade)

2014 winning Piggy Bank Pageant entry by Lexi Dotter (9th – 12th grade)

This promotes also a great opportunity for parents to start discussions of earning as well as saving money.

So… get those creative juices flowing! Encourage your child to start saving money in a unique designed, handmade “piggy bank”. Boost the confidence of your child by allowing their bank to be entered in The Tennessee Saves Piggy Bank Pageant of Sevier County!

For more information or questions, you may contact Linda Hyder with UT Extension at 453-3695 or lhyder@utk.edu. You may also visit AmericaSaves.org for money saving tips and resources.

Photo Credits: Sevier County UT Extension, King Family Library