Friends Make LifeSmarts Even More Special

Over our first four years, we have made many friends who are strong believers in this program. Here’s a copy of comments made by a LifeSmarts Mom at the Consumers’ Cup unveiling ceremony:

Comments of Mrs. Nancy Irving
“CONSUMERS’ CUP CEREMONY”
June 27, 2007
State Room, Rhode Island State House

The most memorable times in my life are those spent being involved in my sons’ lives.

I am not only so very proud of their academic achievements, but also of the fine, respectable, caring young men that they have become.

When Matthew and Daniel came home and said that Mrs. Bennett and Kyle wanted them to participate in the LifeSmarts Competition happening in the next month, my first response was ‘Will you ever have time to prepare?’ The response back was ‘We can do it, Mom’. So, with that positive attitude, I said, ‘Guys, go for it!’. And, so the whirlwind began.

LifeSmarts has taught all of us, parents and students, an incredible wealth of important life lessons. LifeSmarts has not only taught all of us to be wiser consumers, but how to handle financial matters whether they be in our work or personal lives. They also learned so much regarding how the government in our own state works and how it educates our children.

Most of all, it was an incredible opportunity to make new friends. Our team became more like family, with us, the Bennetts, the O’Connors, the Jacovonis, and the Chius. We developed a bond that will last a lifetime! I feel very blessed that my sons have outstanding friends such as Kyle, Dan Jacovoni, and Alan. They share the same special values in life. Their parents work very hard to be a major part of their children’s lives.

We had the privilege of meeting so many wonderful people who have worked hard in their lives and achieved so much. They truly are an inspiration for and a role model for us to keep working, so that all of a student’s sacrifices and college loans will pay off in the end. Whether it was Judge Caprio, his son, General Treasurer, Frank Caprio, or Attorney General Patrick Lynch coming to the competition to ask questions of the students, or the team being invited to the Senate chambers to acknowledge the team’s winning, or Governor Carcieri welcoming the team and their families to the State House, these special people always made the time to acknowledge and encourage the team to keep going onward. After all, all of our children are the future of this country!

I am so very thankful to Mr. Hedemark and his whole team for working so diligently and taking such an interest in our children.

I believe that one’s mind is a gift and that we all contribute to our society in different and special ways. I encourage all parents to become involved in the LifeSmarts program, whether or not the team wins. The journey, itself, is a great reward.

So, parents get involved! The rewards are priceless.